Sevilla boss Pablo Machin warned his side ‘risk paying dearly’ if they play like did during their 3-2 win at Akhisar Belediyespor on Thursday.
Sevilla had a 2-0 lead wiped out by second-half Akhisarspor goals, ultimately needing a late Ever Banega penalty to consolidate second place in Europa League Group J.
“I actually thought we were super complete in the first half and should have gone into the break with a bigger lead,” Machin said after the game.
“I said in the dressing room that we couldn’t think the game was over They then pushed up, we became anxious and the penalty came.
“We tried to reimpose ourselves, but then came the equaliser, leaving the game with uncertainty.
“We wanted to push up and won a penalty. Europe is Europe and no-one gives anything away.
“Having said that, there was a second team in the game. Their goals were to their credit. All teams have quality and ability, and thank God we won the penalty and three points.
“If we want to finish top, we needed to win.
“We followed the script, but no-one thought we’d suffer like we did. I tell my players the same thing I tell the Press. I give even more value to what we’ve achieved.
“It seemed like a breeze to people, but no-one gives anything away at this level. Right now we’re not at our usual level and we risk paying dearly for it, like we did here.
“Muriel and Promes? Everyone has their moments and opportunities. They linked up well for the first goal.
“There’s been a lot of talk about whether we have goals in us or not, but what’s clear is that beyond our injuries, the team are telling us that they can compete and go forward in all three competitions.
“For Espanyol we have to gauge those who are injured, but it’s very likely that the only new face will be Gonalons.”
