Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka admitted his side were lucky to beat Deportivo 2-1 in La Liga on Saturday.
Riki had put Deportivo ahead before second-half goals from Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain secured three points for Madrid.
While Karanka admitted his side were fortunate to claim victory, he did praise his team's much-improved performance after the break.
"I think that the first half wasn't good and that's why we made several changes in the second, to try to improve," Karanka said.
"I don't think it was just the three changes which improved our football.
"From the very first minute of the second half the attitude was different, and that helped us to overcome Deportivo in the second half and play much better football."
Karanka was not surprised that Madrid trailed at half-time, insisting Deportivo are a very tough team to play against.
"We know that they play hard every game, and their coach is well known and well respected, he is from Madrid originally," Karanka said.
"Obviously we knew what we were going to face and I think by the end of the first half it was surprising that they didn't score even more.
"However what was crucial for us was that they didn't take advantage of their chances and they suffered the consequences. But in the first half they were absolutely the better side."
Karanka praised Kaka for his efforts against Deportivo and claimed he was still a valued member of the side.
"His mood helped him and I think that is important for the team," Karanka said.
"It is important because he gives us another option for the team and the fact that everyone is noticing his good form
is always positive."
