Villarreal coach Unai Emery was full of pride after their 3-0 Champions League win at Juventus.
Villarreal are now in the Champions League quarter-final for the first time in 13 years.
“These games are always filled with difficulties, our goalkeeper did a great job and we were lucky with the crossbar,” said Emery in his press conference.
“We defended deep, but then stepped up and gained more space, able to pierce a Juventus defence that allows very little. We had patience and did many things right.
“After the opening goal, there were more spaces opening up and we made the most of it in the final 15 minutes.”
Emery continued: “I am in love with the Europa League, but now I want to enjoy the Champions League. All the past experiences helped, they are in the locker. It was important to see today if and how we could eliminate one of the favourites for the competition. It was a special moment and we want to enjoy it.
“The team knows that in order to do more extraordinary things, they have to study and work harder.”
Villarreal also knocked Atalanta out of the Champions League in the group phase with a 3-2 victory in Bergamo.
“Spain dominated in Europe for many years, but these things come in waves. We took on one of the favourites today and I am proud of Villarreal.
“Italian football is still at a high level, just like English, German and Spanish. These things come in moments.
“I like both Gian Piero Gasperini and Max Allegri, although they have very different styles.”
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