Sevilla boss Unai Emery has praised his side after Sunday's 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano moved them into the top four.

First-half goals from Vicente Iborra and Daniel Carrico secured all the points for the Europa League holders, who are now one point above fifth-placed Valencia in La Liga.

"This win means we are upbeat to continue fighting for a Champions League place because we now have 66 points and are very hopeful," Emery told reporters.

"The main way to get into the Champions League is through La Liga but then there is the Europa League, which is another option if we can manage to win it, so we've got to continue working with enthusiasm.

"In many leagues you'd be assured of a Champions League spot with the points we have, even third place, but in Spain there are four teams doing that."

Sevilla, who are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, have won 20 of their 33 league games this season – just two fewer than the reigning champions Atletico Madrid.