Unai Emery thinks that Carlos Marchena's red card was the turning point during Valencia's 4-1 defeat to Athletico Madrid.
 

Although the Valencia coach did not blame the referee directly, he suggested that Atletico were on top after his team went down to ten men.

David Silva had given Valencia the lead but captain Marchena was then dismissed by the referee. Atletico regained control of the game eventually winning by three goals. Valencia fullback Miguel also saw red late on.

"The game was marked by some crucial moments and the sending off is one of them. From there they have managed to be superior, especially with the red card and have managed to find the path to victory. We hoped to play a good game but we failed, playing with inferiority," Emery told a press conference.

"The [sending off] of Marchena was excessive. You cannot say he didn't try to play the ball.

"We have been fairly loose, but can't use excuses. We have not managed to threaten their goal and against Atletico you can't afford to do this, so we had to do so much more with a man down."