New Valencia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan says he has his eyes set on a clean sheet in Tuesday's Champions League playoff second leg at Monaco, but most important is that Los Che progress to the group stages of this season's competition.
Australia international Ryan joined Valencia for €7 million from Club Bruges during the summer, and made a string of impressive saves on his debut for his new team as Monaco were beaten 3-1 in the playoff first leg at Mestalla last Wednesday.
The 23-year-old then kept his first La Liga clean sheet in Valencia's 0-0 opening day draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening in Madrid.
Speaking to ESPN FC after that match at the Estadio Vallecas, Ryan said he was aiming not to concede again on Tuesday night at the Stade Louis II.
"If you don't concede a goal you are halfway to winning the game," he said. "Whatever happens, the most important thing is that we progress. Obviously I would prefer it with a clean sheet, but the most important thing is to progress."
Ryan said he had enjoyed his first game in a Valencia shirt against Monaco, and was particularly happy with the fingertip save against winger Bernardo Silva
"Like any new player you want to justify yourself within the team," he said. "It was nice to make that save in the first half, and ease the pressure and expectation of everyone."
The former Central Coast Mariners player was less busy against Rayo in a goalless game mostly notable for an outstanding performance by home keeper Tono, which included a flying reflex save to deny Valencia striker Alvaro Negredo an injury-time winner.
Ryan said he and his teammates were disappointed not to get the three points, while saying he had been impressed by his opposite number's performance.
"I expected a difficult match in this league, there are no easy games and that is exactly what we had," he said. "Disappointed we didn't win the game, especially with that chance we had at the end. But you see how important goalkeepers are -- that was an incredible save and he made a couple tonight which kept his team in it. I thought we scrambled well, our team, but can't help but feel a little bit disappointed we didn't win."
After the game, Valencia coach Nuno said he was happy at how Ryan had settled into the team and the club in his first weeks in Spain, however the youngster still had to keep working and improving his game.
"Mat has begun well," Nuno said. "We knew his quality when he arrived. He needs to keep evolving, as he is very young. We have a lot of challenges in front. I want to congratulate him again -- as to keep a clean sheet is always very important for a goalkeeper. But he needs to keep improving."