LOPETEGUI: "THE SENDING OFF HAD AN IMPACT AND WE HAD TO TAKE A STEP BACK"

Julen Lopetegui was proud of the work his side put in to preserve a valuable point tonight against FC Barcelona: "The team fought really hard - they showed character and ambition. The corner was a shame because we knew how strong Araujo is in the air and we couldn't prevent it. In the second half we improved, we read Barcelona, we stole the ball from them and made them play with more hesitation. The sending off had an impact and we had to take a step back to defend the point. They hardly had any chances except for a shot against the post from Dembélé".

Speaking about Koundé's sending off, he can only learn and pick himself up: "He knows he has made a mistake. There's no need to say much in these circumstances and he knows that he has let himself be carried away by something that shouldn't have riled him up.  He didn't have the right attitude. It's a question of maturity but I'm sure it won't happen again because Jules is one of those players who learns." In addition, the youth team lent an important hand when it was most needed: "We ended up playing with a right wing of Valentino and Juanlu and they helped us a lot at a complicated time. They defended very well against very talented players and we should congratulate them."

Although the year is coming to an end, it is not yet time to talk about ratings: "Marks are given out in June." Finally, the coach wished to wish all Sevilla fans the best for the festive season: "I would like to send my warmest greetings to all Sevilla fans, may you be happy, be very careful with covid and enjoy yourselves responsibly. We'll be with you again soon."