"It made me very happy, of course. It has been a tough fight to get into this team but if you work hard every day and don't give up, even in bad times, you get these moments that make it worthwhile," Dossena told UEFA's website.
"Compared to last season, I have changed my position - I have gone back 20 metres.
"This change and adapting to English football gave me some difficulties to start with, but with the help of a great coach like Rafael Benítez, I'm starting to understand how to play in the team. You adapt step by step."