Rodríguez lauds rearguard effort

Villarreal CF captain Gonzalo Rodríguez hailed the defensive effort that earned his team a point at UEFA Champions League holders Manchester United FC in their opening Group E match.

'Fair result'
"The defensive line was the key," said Rodríguez after the Spanish visitors became the first team to shut out the home attack at Old Trafford in the competition since Villarreal themselves on their previous visit in November 2005. "We stayed very tight, kept a strong defensive line and pressured the ball well," the 24-year-old explained. "We were able to keep the ball at times and we limited them to only a couple of chances. We had one chance ourselves but I think a draw was a fair result."

Vital clearance
United had won all 12 home matches since Villarreal were last in town but they were frustrated by a composed, disciplined defensive display from Manuel Pellegrini's team, at which Rodríguez was at the heart. The Argentinian made a vital goalline clearance in the closing stages to keep out a goalbound Carlos Tévez strike and he admitted afterwards he was delighted with the point. "I think the important thing was not to start off with a defeat and to come to such a difficult place as Old Trafford and get a draw is a good result."

Target
Villarreal, second in the Spanish Liga last season, reached the last four in their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign in 2005/06 but Rodríguez is not looking too far ahead just yet, despite their satisfactory start. “First we want to get through the first round. We have home matches we have to win or draw and I think if we get eight points we can qualify, but there is a lot of work to do.

'Best competition in the world'
"This is the best competition in the world," the defender added. "We worked hard last year in the league to get here and we've got a good result tonight. In the Spanish league we've shown we're a serious team by finishing in the top four and the important thing for Villarreal is to show it in Europe and we've made a good start."