Pellegrini's pride in victory

It was a vital win because qualifying is now in our hands. My team played well and their hard work was reflected in the final score. At no point was I worried, because Middlesbrough did not have many chances on goal. We did not go out believing that they were the superior team and, if tonight we did not see a very good Middlesbrough, then that is credit to our players. I had hoped that [Mark] Viduka and [Jimmy Floyd] Hasselbaink would start the match, and it didn't actually make that much difference when they did come on. Villarreal coach Manuel Luis Pellegrini

We knew it would be tough coming here and that Villarreal would give us a true test of what European football is all about. I knew the experience of playing Villarreal would be as important as the result. The way Villarreal played was something you don't come across in the Premiership. The way they kept possession and controlled the game was a learning curve for our players. Middlesbrough coach Steve McClaren

It was a fair result and I believe we can still qualify. Partizan surprised us with their fluent football in the first half, and it is always difficult to catch up in football once you are behind. But I am pleased with the attitude of my players in the second half. They could have scored a third goal although, to be fair, we could have conceded again as well. Lazio coach Domenico Caso

We have missed a chance to beat one of the biggest European clubs. Before the match, many in Serbia and Montenegro would have settled for a draw away to Lazio, but now they are the happier team. Pierre Boya was fantastic and scored two goals, yet he also missed several great chances. After the hour-mark, my players started showing signs of tiredness, although they came back at the end and created three more opportunities. Our mistake was to let Lazio control the game and it is only normal that attacks eventually bring results. We still have a good chance to qualify, though, and this is what matters. Partizan coach Vladimir Vermezovic