Levante vs Sevilla preview - Sevilla boss Unai Emery ranks Levante match higher than Champions League opener

Posted Friday, September 11, 2015 by PA

Sevilla boss Unai Emery claims Friday's Primera Division clash at Levante is more important than next week's Champions League opener against Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Europa League winners have collected just one point from their opening two matches in the Primera Division.

Tuesday's visit from the Bundesliga side is undoubtedly a glamorous occasion but gaining three points at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia is Emery's first concern.

Emery told the club's official website: "Tomorrow's game for us is much more important than Tuesday, because the league is what is regular. The league has to be a priority. In 38 games in the league in every game is a final."

Midfielder Ever Banega has been left out of the squad to travel but Emery insisted this was because of his recent exertions on international duty with Argentina, and not to save him for next week.

Sevilla have failed to score in their opening two games. They drew 0-0 at Malaga and then lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid last time out.

Levante have not fared much better having lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo and then drawn 0-0 at Las Palmas.

Coach Lucas Alcaraz is looking for a win to kickstart the campaign.

He told reporters: "It is a tough opponent but if you win that game, apart from the three points, it will reinforce the things you're doing.

"We hope to play well, be successful and win a home game.

"Sevilla have had great results in previous seasons. That will serve as motivation. We know we will have to work hard individually and collectively but I think the team is ready."