Valencia captain Jose Luis Gaya admits there was disappointment after defeat at Villarreal.

Los Che lost 2-1 on Saturday.

Fullback Gaya said: “It got away from us off a set piece in the 87th minute, after the good work we had done. We didn't take advantage of counterattacks well, and when you let off opposition with such quality, on an isolated move they can score a goal. You end up with the feeling of having run a lot and that it hasn't helped at all.

“There were two isolated actions: A turnover in an area where we cannot afford to lose the ball, because we were caught wide open and they were very precise. Then the set piece. It is a pain the way the defeat occurred, because the team were competing well and put in a very big effort, only to lose at the last minute. We leave here sad and hurt."

He added of the away support: “I never tire of saying it about the fans. They have been encouraging and helping us. We heard them a lot. We wanted to dedicate the victory to them. It makes me annoyed for them and the people who have encouraged us today, on such a special day. We will focus on what is coming up: A January in which we have many games, and we will have to continue competing and playing at a high level."