Barcelona's Pep Guardiola hails Rayo Vallecano's bravery: I am sure they will stay in La Liga
The 40-year-old trainer stated that Jose Ramon Sandoval's men fought hard for the result and paid little importance to Gerard Pique's second-half yellow card
SOURCE: Goal
"I would like to congratulate Rayo, who had a good match," Guardiola told reporters at a press conference. "They did things well and it was hard for us to beat them.
"It is impossible for them not to remain in La Liga with this ambition. They are a brave team. I would bet that they will stay in La Liga."
Guardiola then played down Gerard Pique's yellow card, which was his fifth in the competition this season.
It will see him miss the weekend visit of Levante, thus preventing the defender from being ineligible for the Clasico against Madrid on December 9 if he was booked against the Valencia-based side.
"The images show what they show and everyone saw them," Guardiola said about Pique, who shown a yellow card for time-wasting.
"I do not comment on the referee's decisions. I did not do it with the penalties against Valencia or the offside against Getafe."
The Spanish coach also rejected suggestions of a rift with David Villa, who has found starting berths somewhat hard to come by in the latest games.
"David Villa moves very well in these positions," Guardiola noted. "His team-mates have to find him.
"He is very important to us and he does not stop moving. Without him, things would be harder.
"Sometimes, the ball does not get to him, but he is tireless."
