Real Betis Coach Gabriel Calderon has welcomed the prospect of playing Sevilla in the Europa League.
Betis’ 2-0 second leg win over Rubin Kazan confirmed the League strugglers’ progression into the Round of 16, with Sevilla also making safe passage after seeing off Maribor.
“I am very happy about the European derby,” Calderon told a post-match Press conference.
“It will be an extraordinary party for Seville, but in a knockout game there are no favourites. It’s 50/50.
“The team will continue to grow and we can go into the game in good form.”
Calderon added that he was also impressed with his side’s performance in dispatching Rubin.
“I’m very happy. I must congratulate my players – it’s a triumph for them.
“It was down to them 150%. It’s a well-deserved reward. They’ve been working hard and professionally in the worst of times.
“The match was won because of the attitude of all 11 players. It was a group effort – defenders, midfielders and forwards.
“We closed the gaps, kept the pressure on and tried to win from the first minute. We didn’t give Rubin a chance.”
“We wanted to give the fans some joy and a reward for the patience they’ve had this season.
“Our fans deserve that we treat every game like a final and that’s what the players are doing.
“The team has been growing in the past three games and [the win over Rubin] is evidence.
“Now we go to Villarreal to try and win.”
