The Spanish international star of Real Madrid, Dean Hausen, appeared in a press statement following the 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the 29th round of La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The defender said: 'It was a very important match for us. We knew that if we wanted to compete in La Liga, we had to win this match, and that's what we did. Personally, I am very happy. As a team, we are improving a lot and are on the right track. We must continue to work hard and maintain this level.'

He added: 'We still have the Barcelona match ahead. We know we are four points behind, and we have to try to narrow the gap. If we hadn't won today, it would have been very difficult for us.'

On Valverde's red card: 'I did not think it deserved a red card. I believe he stopped the play, and it should have been a yellow card, nothing more. He didn't hit him with his studs or strike him hard. It wasn't an aggressive act; he stopped the play, that's all. Like, for example, pulling a shirt, and that's a yellow card.'

He continued: 'The change in the team's level? We have changed coaches, have new players, and want to play with different systems. This is natural; the adaptation we are doing is good, and we work on it daily. We are very happy because things are going well.'

On playing alongside Rudiger: 'We have a very good relationship. We have that harmony, which is hard to explain, but when you have it, you have it. We play very well together, I feel good, and after the break, we will continue the journey. We have a long season ahead, and I hope it will be special.'

He followed up: 'What does Arbeloa ask of you? Everyone knows my level, and I have gone through times when I didn't reach it. He asks a lot from me with the ball and in defense, which is good.'

On achieving five consecutive wins: 'We are improving a lot, and we hope things will get even better.'

He continued about the secret of the change that happened in the team: 'All teams need a period of adaptation, and that's what happened with us.'

He concluded: 'Vinicius played a great match. He scored two goals. He scored a penalty and a wonderful goal. He is enthusiastic in every match. He also puts in a lot of effort, and I am very happy for him and for us because we won.'