Unai Emery hailed his Sevilla players for “giving credence to the idea that Barcelona suffered” after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
The Andalucians came back from two goals down to earn a point against La Blaugrana, their caused helped by the Coach’s decision to introduce Jose Antonio Reyes and Kevin Gameiro, both of whom combined to score the equaliser late on.
“The script of the game couldn’t be foreseen as it was difficult to keep track of the ball against Barcelona,” he told reporters.
“I think in the first half-hour we struggled to adapt to Barcelona’s pressure. We stood far too back and it cost us to have the ball clearly had too much travel in our counterattacks.
“We managed to get back into the game at 1-2 and had good minutes at the end of the first half, which gave credence to the idea that Barcelona suffered.
“The objective of beating Barcelona wasn’t achieved, but rather we achieved the objective of continuing our unbeaten run at home.
“The referee was strict, so we couldn’t be more aggressive, but we took a step forward with our risk-taking. We couldn’t expect to win the game just by counterattacking.
“The only way to do something was by pressing harder and taking the ball when [Barca] lowered their pressure. Our physical display was impressive.
“The important thing is to grow and have ambition. We’re competing for the Champions League better than we did last year.
“We’re close to third place and that dream [of the Champions League] gives us a reason to believe.
“The best thing in football is to show emotion, and we’ve done that in La Liga and the Europa League.
“This team have quality. We needed [Jose Antonio Reyes’] inspiration but also the speed of [Kevin] Gameiro [off the bench], which was very important.
“I think the team did well before the changes, but they also gave a lot [after the changes]. We brought on [Stephane] Mbia to add freshness into midfield.
“We will not surrender our objectives. Sevilla’s priority is to be in Europe and also qualify for the Champions League. Of course, we must be happy to be in the Europa League.
“Barcelona and Real Madrid will fight [for the title] until the end, but I think Barca have some degree of advantage.”
