Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez hailed a "massive win" over Manchester United, while refusing to be drawn out over the controversial sending off of Rafael in the final moments of the English Premier League game.
A deflected strike from Juan Mata in the 87th minute, which took a nick off Phil Jones to creep into the bottom corner of the net, gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over the newly-crowned Premier League champions, with the three points keeping the London side in pole position for a top-four finish.
"It was a massive win for us," Benitez told the club's official website. "We knew we had to get six or seven points to guarantee finishing in the top four. When the goal came it was a massive step forward for us.
"United, after winning the title, were probably a bit more relaxed. I said at halftime we had to increase the tempo, we were doing well but missing the intensity you need to beat a team like United.
"The players are really pleased, they were enjoying it and everybody wants to be involved at this time of the season."
There was room for some controversy, though, with Rafael seeing a straight red from referee Howard Webb for a kick out on Chelsea defender David Luiz, who definitely made it look a lot worse than it actually was, late in the game.
Benitez, though, was not too concerned with the incident, instead focusing on the key three points.
"I was not interested in it because I've seen 200 incidents in the Premier League this year and it changes nothing," he added.
The next game for Chelsea is a crucial one against fellow top-four hopefuls Tottenham on Wednesday, and if the Blues come away with all three points at Stamford Bridge, it would pretty much seal their place in the Champions League next season.
"If we can win we will be there, but Tottenham are a good team and it will be a final for the top four.
"This game was difficult and important for us. Wednesday will be even more important as we are so close to them.
"Winning is crucial for us, it's even more important for them, so there will be a great atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.
"We will try to win because we know it will guarantee a top-four finish, I don't see more or less pressure for either team, I know we just need to win."
