It was a very important match for us, because of the opponent and because we weren't getting good results away from home. We've beaten another strong team," said Valverde.
"In the first half we pressed high up the pitch, with all the risk that entailed, but the game was where we wanted it to be.
"In the second half they started to come out better, they began to come forward more, but it wasn't a brilliant game from either side. Then the goal came and it calmed us down and stressed them a bit more. We didn't let them get into the game."
He added: Even if we're in the Copa final, we can't think about leaving these league games to one side. Nothing is decided yet and we have to fight for everything. These three points mean a lot to us and we're not letting anything slide."