Unai Emery hailed his Sevilla players for showing resolve in the face of adversity after Sunday’s 2-0 derby win against Real Betis.
Goals from Kevin Gameiro and Coke ended Sevilla’s run of five La Liga matches without a win to leave the Andalusians just three points behind fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao with three games left to play, and Emery felt his side had what it took to leapfrog Los Leones in the table.
“The three points were important for the table and we feel strong at the Sanchez Pizjuan,” the Coach said after the game.
“The match was all about patience, competed for 90 minutes and decided by [two] moments.
“It was equally as important for them as it was for us but without the same responsibility in the table [referring to how they had nothing to play for].
“Keeping a clean sheet was one of main forces that gave us the win. Our answer to the game leaves us this satisfaction.
“The team have responded to difficult moments in the League, Copa [del Rey], Champions League and Europa League.
“We’ve been strong because the fans have been with us. This win gives us confidence and possible access to fifth place.
“We’ll look for [fifth] in every game we have left. Now we’ll go with strength to the tie against Shakhtar [Donetsk]. The important thing is that the team are alive.”
