Sevilla boss Michel believed his side’s superior fitness was key to the 2-0 win over Deportivo de La Coruna in Riazor.
Second-half goals from Alvaro Negredo and Ivan Rakitic put paid to the Galicians and Michel stressed that it was the physical response of his players that was the difference between the sides.
“We played at a great level against a team that do not give anything away, which is why they were unbeaten,” he told a Press conference.
“The second half was very good. We put the pressure on, got into their box to create chances and looked extremely convincing, yet the physical aspect was one of the keys to the game.
“We had already said what we wanted to do today and came here on a very positive note after the Real Madrid win, knowing we needed to see where this team is capable of going where I think it can go.
“Every day we are becoming more and more convincing and that has been converted into goals and creating chances.”
Michel said he was hoping to be able to count on Hedwiges Maduro for next weekend’s game with Barcelona after the Dutchman took a knock.
“He felt a blow to his ankle after a collision with Bruno Gama and we are hoping it is nothing so he’ll be available for the Barcelona match.”
