Unai Emery was happy with how Sevilla challenged Atletico Madrid, citing that the referee was the reason for the 1-0 defeat.
Los Nervionenses, playing in a new 3-5-2 shape, fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to third place Atleti thanks to Radamel Falcao’s goal in the second half.
However, it came about through build-up play that included a Mario Suarez handball missed by the officials.
“It was an even game. We played with defensive security and managed to generate chances in attack with both forwards,” enthused Emery of his defeated players’ performance.
“We managed to hold them well and unhinge them in some phases of the game, but from there it became rough.
“Yet, we adapted well with some good defensive work. They created little and it produced a close game that they were not going to open up and nor could we.
“In the second half we were at a greater level, holding them and playing in a way to win. With us level, we had the greater chances to win the game.
“Then there was a serious refereeing error because it prejudiced us greatly. There was a clear handball and we have to be indignant that it was not given.
“We lost because the referee gave the points away by his mistake. Already we were hit by refereeing last week and I said nothing, but this match was 0-0 because it was not a goal, although it was not disallowed.”
