Íñigo Pérez admits Villarreal defeat to Real Madrid is frustrating

Villarreal manager Íñigo Pérez admitted his side deserved more after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, describing the final outcome as deeply frustrating after a competitive display.

“It’s frustrating. The players have acquired this idea of being able to come to these stages and avoid the fear that appears. But you already see that you can do it and you are close to winning. When you don’t achieve it having deserved something more, it’s frustrating,” Pérez stated in his post-match press conference.

Tactical Adjustments and Juan Foyth’s Role in Midfield

Pérez explained that his tactical setup involved deploying Juan Foyth as a defensive midfielder to neutralize Real Madrid’s quick transitions and prevent their attackers from finding open space.

“With the inclusion of Foyth at six, I was looking to solidify the midfield knowing that in this scenario you don’t dominate the center of the pitch,” Pérez said, as noted by Mundo Deportivo.

The Final Minutes and Missed Opportunities

Villarreal struggled to find the decisive touch in the attacking third, a shortcoming that ultimately cost them points.

“Creo que en ese momento final nos pasa a nosotros y a todo el mundo,” Pérez explained, noting how late-match tension and the pressure of the scoreboard often dilute good play into a scramble as the clock winds down.

Cadena SER previously noted ahead of the fixture that Villarreal intended to play with bravery and face Real Madrid toe-to-toe rather than sit back passively. That proactive approach yielded chances, but the lack of finishing proved decisive.

Broader Project Evolution Beyond the Bernabéu Result

Despite the empty points column, Pérez maintained that the broader trajectory of the club matters more than individual match outcomes. Actualidad Valencia noted that the manager has experienced a challenging historical record at the Bernabéu from his spell at Rayo Vallecano, yet he remains confident in Villarreal’s current direction.

“It’s not about Íñigo Pérez’s process. We are talking about the new project, the start, the implementation, and I think it goes much further,” Pérez concluded, emphasizing that the positive on-the-pitch indicators validate the squad’s commitment to his tactical philosophy.