The weekend thumping of Espanyol has allowed Atletico Madrid some breathing space, admitted defender Luis Perea.

The weekend's victory marks their first under the new regime of, Quique Flores, and the defender wwas quick to add that clean sheets will be the new focus of their gameplay.

Madrid are still not far from relegation despite their victory and have a lot of work to do if they intend to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Their recent games against Chelsea and Espanyol should inspire them to continue in this vein of form according to Perea at a recent press conference.

"I think the win was needed, the team was suffering more than necessary, and none of us could go another game without collecting all three points. It is true that the win has taken a big weight off.

"That has always been our intention, to begin collecting wins, but with a clean sheet. We have some problems there, but what makes me happiest is that the team is more compact, playing more in unison. I think about the games against Chelsea and Espanyol where the team has worked very well in every area."