Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone hailed his team's efficiency in making many chances from little possession in Saturday's 2-0 win at Malaga on Saturday evening.
Koke shot Atletico ahead midway through a low-key first half, with Filipe Luis making the points safe with 15 minutes left, and both goals coming from inadvertent Fernando Torres assists.
That was more than enough against a low-in-confidence Malaga side, who had plenty of possession and finished with 21 shots at goal but never really troubled visiting goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Los Colchoneros coach said in his postmatch news conference that his team, which due to injuries and suspension had two youth teamers on the bench, had shown how they could make the best of a tight situation.
"I am very happy with our response to the difficulties," Simeone said. "We were missing a lot of players and had two centre-backs and two kids on the bench.
"Sometimes these things are not noticed, but the team has been very strong. If we collaborate and work all together this team can be solid and then it can make chances.
"We had less possession for sure, but we had good chances -- the two goals and two for [Angel] Correa. We work hard looking for what we need."
Simeone denied a suggestion from a local reporter that it had been easy for his team to control the game.
"There are no simple games," he said. "My jersey is full of sweat here if you could see it. Both teams could have scored at the start. We changed the situation with the goal. Malaga then had possession without making clear chances.
"The game was going to be difficult for whomever made mistakes, and we were able to take advantage. I always felt it was difficult, there was danger."
The result moved Atletico up into third place above Sevilla, although Jorge Sampaoli's side can retake that spot if they beat relegation battlers Sporting Gijon at home on Sunday afternoon.
"We have little time to celebrate this win, we know Sevilla are in a very good position," Simeone said. "Two points are a lot. But we are leaving happy and will prepare now for the next game against Real Sociedad [on Tuesday evening]."
Speaking to BeIn Sports on the final whistle, Atletico left-back Filipe Luis said the important thing had been the result, especially given the team had many players away during the recent international break.
"We knew it would be difficult to win today as we were coming from the international break, which can take a lot out of you," the Brazil international said. "It was maybe not our best game, but we took our chances and were solid in defence.
"I am happy to help the team to win the game by scoring the goal. This is a happy moment and hopefully will help us to keep improving.
"There is a long way to go, but every game is fundamental in what is left of the season. We will try to finish up the best way possible."