Juan Ignacio Martinez has praised his Real Valladolid side following their 1-0 win over top-four hopefuls Villarreal at the weekend.

The victory was just Valladolid's fourth league win of the season, but they are now two points from safety with 17 matches remaining.

"This is going to be a turning point in our season. We showed real heart and effort here. I believe that this team can pull out of the relegation fight," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Now we have to do what we did here against other teams. We're going to lose a few, but with that sort of fight, we're going to win more."

There are just six points separating 17th position from eighth in La Liga.