Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid preview - Sevilla set sights on European spot

Posted Sunday, April 21, 2013 by PA

Sevilla coach Unai Emery is citing his side's Primera Division match against Atletico Madrid as one of two chances to record a "big victory" and qualify for the Europa League.

A win over Diego Simeone's side would take the Andalusians into eighth place in the standings - the final European spot .

The Hondarribia-born coach believes his side are among the best in the league and claims they have not been getting the credit they deserve.

He told a press conference: "If you look closely you can see that we have improved a lot in several areas.

"Perhaps if you just look at the top of the table it doesn't seem that way, but we have recuperated a considerable number of points, and that has made us optimistic.

"We are close but we still need two big victories so our improvement is reflected in the league table."

Sevilla have won their last seven La Liga home games and Emery hopes they can extend their fine form at the Sanchez Pizjuan against Atleti.

"Sunday's game becomes a huge game for us because it's at home, where we been building the foundations of our possibilities," he added.

"On Sunday we need to build on those foundations to give ourselves a strong chance of making it into Europe."

Sevilla will be without the suspended duo of midfielder Gary Medel and centre-back Federico Fazio.

Atletico, meanwhile, go into the match six points behind their local rivals Real Madrid, who they host next weekend.

Forward Diego Costa and midfielder Koke will miss the Madrid derby if either of them pick up a yellow card in Seville, but coach Simeone ruled out resting either player.

He told reporters: "I've always thought that it's a lack of respect to another team to say that one game is more important than the other.

"I always think that the game that matters the most is the next one, which right now is against Sevilla.

"No one can assure me that Diego Costa isn't going to get the flu next Saturday. I live for the next game and I'm not thinking at all about reserving anyone who would give us more of a chance of winning that game."

Simeone will definitely be without playmaker Arda Turan, who has still not recovered from spraining his ankle against Valencia three weeks ago.

Adrian Lopez is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up as a result of the absence of the Turkish international.