FIVE GAMES BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL BREAKS OF PROGRESS AND POINTS

We head into the international break with a spring in our step after a solid run of form since September. Following Sunday's win against Real Betis at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, García Pimienta's men have gained points in every game bar the defeat in Vitoria against Deportivo Alavés. In total, it is 10 points from 15, with the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán quickly become a fortress after three wins in a row at home against Getafe CF, Real Valladolid and Real Betis respectively. 

The defence has also been getting stronger with two clean sheets in Nervión against Getafe and Real Betis. The derby would be the last for captain Jesús Navas, who came on in the 72nd minute to a standing ovation. It was derby number 28 and made him the all-time highest appearance-maker in El Gra Derbi history and he rounded it off with win number 12. 

10 points from 15 and 7 from the last 9 set us up nicely, with a two-week wait due to the international before we return to league action against FC Barcelona away from home at Montjuic.