Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez hailed his team's effort and hard work after Sunday evening's 2-0 La Liga win at Eibar.
Madrid did not play too much free-flowing football against the well-drilled Basque outfit. A Gareth Bale header just before half-time and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty with eight minutes remaining were enough for Madrid to take all three points.
The result means Madrid remain in third place in the Primera Division table, six points behind in-form leaders Barcelona, and two adrift of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
At his postmatch news conference the Blancos coach stressed he was happy with the work done by his team -- including a short corner routine worked by Luka Modric and James Rodriguez which resulted in Bale's opening goal.
"Today's victory was a team win -- based on the work of everyone," Benitez said. "The work done during the week came off with the first goal. The work of everyone means that we were able to get the three points in a difficult ground to come to.
"All those on the pitch played a sensational game. The important thing was to win the three points, with this spirit of sacrifice. The most important thing is for players with this quality to put in such hard work."
Asked by reporters about performances of individual Madrid players, including James Rodriguez, Ronaldo and young midfielder Mateo Kovacic, Rafa repeatedly returned to his point that he was happy with how the team had performed as a collective.
"Everyone contributed today," Benitez said. "I am delighted. Eibar are a very good team, aggressive and intense, they made it difficult for us. So the victory deserves a lot of credit. Today is from the work of everyone -- in midfield, defence and up front."
Right-back Dani Carvajal left the game late on with what appears to be yet another muscle injury for Madrid. Benitez did not comment directly on Carvajal's condition, while saying that overall he was happy that the injury situation was improving and he was generally optimistic after what had been a difficult period for Madrid.
"We are in November, have missed a lot of players already," he said. "We are getting injured people back bit by bit. I remain optimistic, and believe we will be fighting in every game until the end."