Sevilla need a win to battle their way back into European competition when they welcome Real Valladolid on Monday.
As impressive as it was, their 5-1 victory over Real Betis in the recent Seville derby was the Rojiblancos only win in their last five La Liga fixtures. Three red cards and four goals against was the tale of their visit to Atletico Madrid last weekend, and the 3-0 Copa del Rey rout of Espanyol in midweek was only impressive if you can ignore the fact that Los Pericos sacked their Coach the day before.
“Wins are always good for us, whichever competition they come in,” said Michel, whose team are 10th with 18 points.
Surprisingly Valladolid are ahead in 9th, courtesy of their superior goal difference.
“I think we had a result that was an excessive punishment,” reflected their boss Miroslav Djukic after they were beaten 3-0 and ejected from the Copa by Real Betis.
“I cannot blame the team, because they have given everything.”
Kick off: Monday December 3, 8.00 (BST)
