Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano is not giving up hope that his side can still force their way into the Champions League places by the end of the season, even though the odds looked stacked against them.
Sevilla have finished in the top four in three of the last four seasons, but a repeat performance this term appears a tall order as they need to make up at least 12 points on either Villarreal or Valencia in the final nine weeks of the campaign.
However, yesterday's 1-0 win at Valencia, which followed last week's creditable 1-1 draw with mighty Barcelona, means the Andalusian side can still dream. Manzano said: "Whilst there are enough points left we will fight, we are not going to rule it out until it's mathematically impossible."
We know that it isn't in our hands and we have to win every weekend. Hopefully we can achieve our goal.
Gregorio Manzano, Sevilla coach
"We know that it isn't in our hands and we have to win every weekend and hope the others don't win, but the important thing is we play how we can play. What we've seen of Sevilla in recent games is the team that I like to see. Now we have a week off to recover and then try and continue along this line. Hopefully we can achieve our goal."
Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas, who played a starring role in last night's win at the Mestalla with a string of fine saves, added: "The win allows us to dream of the Champions League.
"This victory makes good the draw against Barcelona and also moves us closer to the Europa League places. It was about time luck went our way, which it hasn't this season, and we hope it continues like that.
"The team are doing well, we are confident and we can get into the Champions League."