Real Madrid

Manuel Pellegrini was satisfied with Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Sporting Gijon.

"We didn't play well in the first half. We were unable to bring Sporting's defence down. What matters is we were able to react after conceding a goal and we improved considerably in the second half."

"It isn't normal for us to have to turn the score around at home. We normally net the opener and play differently. It is hard to defeat Sporting. They defend well away from home and they are dangerous in their counterattacks."

"The team won. That's what's important. I think it is impossible to win every game by also playing well. We didn't just win; we also scored three goals."