SERGIO RICO: “IN DEFENCE THE TEAM RESPONDED WELL”

Sergio Rico kept another clean sheet in the 1-0 win against Athletic Club on Thursday night, taking his tally to 12 for the season in all competitions.

The Sevilla youth team product praised his side's defensive record, speaking in the mixed zone at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

“The team stayed firm in every area. In defence we did well to repel every wave of attack from Athletic," he said.

"We are very strong in defence, again keeping a clean sheet. We’ve built on that, because going forward we have the quality to create chances and score goals.”

Sevilla were able to grind out a hard-fought victory against a lively Athletic side, and Rico was happy with his side's attitude.

“Perhaps it wasn’t our best night, but we kept fighting and we are happy because although despite the fact that we didn’t have the best of evenings, we managed to win the game.

"We’re fighting and we’re hoping to be in a position to fight for the title in the run in."