Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Falque vows to keep fighting

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by PA

Iago Falque insists there will be no end-of-season let-up from Rayo Vallecano as they head to Villarreal aiming for a top-10 finish in the Primera Division.

The Vallecas club suffered only their second defeat in two months when they were beaten 3-0 at home by Athletic Bilbao last week.

And Falque is adamant that the team is still keen to finish the season on a high after mathematically assuring their survival in the top flight, with an improvement on their current position of 11th in their sights.

"That's what we're aiming for, we have it in our hands and getting in the top 10 would be very positive for us, collectively and individually," the winger told the club's official website.

"This success belongs to everyone and we have to take advantage of this run we are on.

"Now we don't have that tension that we had before when we were playing for our lives, but the season is still going and we have to keep competing."

Rayo's only fresh absentee is Ze Castro, who is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season against Athletic.

While Rayo secured survival despite losing to Athletic, last week Villarreal qualified for the Europa League despite being held to a goalless draw at Sevilla.

Mateo Mussachio, who only 12 months ago was part of the Villarreal side battling for promotion from the Segunda Division, spoke of his pride at the achievement.

"We are very happy to have qualified for Europe, which isn't easy at all, and is something to be pleased about," he told reporters.

"Those of us who were in the Segunda Division are enjoying this without a doubt, it tastes even better, and it's a great achievement."

The Argentine defender also dismissed speculation linking him to a move away from Villarreal in the summer.

He said: "I'm not going anywhere, I'm very happy here and I've not thought about leaving this club.

"Villarreal is the type of club I would like to stay at for the rest of my life, because it has given me everything, it has helped me out, and it is one of the best clubs in the world."