First team

MERCADO: 'WE PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORT AGAINST A TOUGH RIVAL'

27/08/2018

The Argentine accepts 'Sunday's game is in our mind, but first we have to progress on Thursday.'

Gabriel Mercado offered his thoughts on the point secured tonight against Villarreal. 'We put in a lot of effort against a tough rival who also wants to get into Europe. It was an entertaining game, with chances and two teams going for the win. At the end, we had two great chances we couldn't put away, but now we have some big games coming up on Thursday and Sunday.'

Even still, Sevilla showed face against a tough rival. 'That's what's important - to try to be solid so the team always has the chance to win. We have top players up front who can decide the game for us, something that didn't happen today but we have faith in our way of working.'

He also addressed Escudero's injury, with whom he briefly spoke in the dressing room after the game: 'I'm really hurt as he's my teammate and I care a lot for him. I hope he recovers as quickly as possible.' To finish, he admitted that they're already thinking about the game against our eternal rival, but they are focusing on Thursday's match: 'That game is in our minds, but first we have a very important game on Thursday to progress in Europe.'