Levante boss Juan Ignacio Martinez praised his side's defence after their 3-0 UEFA Europa League win against FC Twente last night. The Valencians moved into the qualification places in Group L as two late Pedro Rios goals, after a 59th-minute Michel penalty, earned them victory at the Ciutat de Valencia.

While Rios stole the headlines Martinez was more focused on his side's third consecutive clean sheet. Levante have moved up to seventh in La Liga after back-to-back 1-0 wins and the 48-year-old Martinez believes they are reaping the rewards for their defensive stability.

"We played a great game against very tough opponents who initially caused us plenty of problems, so it's all credit to my players who had to work very hard," he told reporters after the match.

"They forced us to be patient but the truth of the matter is that if you don't concede goals defensively then you gain ground. The team's recent run has been good but there is no time for us to enjoy it because the game against Granada is already upon us, but we showed how we can play."