Valverde: Having Messi is always a huge advantage

Ernesto Valverde spoke to the press after his side's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. 

Lionel Messi was once again the hero, scoring the later winner, but goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also made a key contribution with two stunning saves. 

Here's what Valverde had to say: 

On the game: "You have to suffer here but we have won and picked up three really important points, which is what is important. We expected Atletico to start as they did. We had to be strong in the first 20 minutes. They were doing damage on every attack. As the game went on we got more control and both sides had clear chances. We had the better of the second half." 

Ter Stegen: "There were two goalkeepers on the pitch that can produce miracles and that usually make great saves." 

Messi: "In games which are even and hard, to have Leo is always a huge advantage." 

Pique injury: "I think he's OK. He could have carried on, but better not to risk him." 

Overall: "I liked everything. We suffered at the start and we've got the three points. We don0t have to think about the bad things now."