Unai Emery credited Sevilla's 'work and adaptability' as the key reasons behind their 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Carlos Bacca's early goal at Vallecas secured a third successive victory for the Andalucians, but the Coach was quick to pay tribute to his side's opponents before praising his own troops for a spirited performance.
"Vallecas is always a difficult venue, and we had to adapt to the demands of Rayo," he told reporters after the match.
"They're a very hard-working side, with great intensity, and turn games into physical battles.
"Also, the dimensions of their pitch are slightly smaller than most.
"Rayo are a team that play well and promote aggressive, attacking football.
"Today, we had to raise our game, and the greatest satisfaction I can take is our hard work and adaptability.
"Rayo posed some risks with their second-half changes, but we defended well.
"The key was to have the ability to attack spaces and score the second goal.
"Maintaining a level of intensity for 90 minutes is difficult. As for the team's attitude, it's been great."
