Third place still up for grabs, says Emery

Valencia coach Unai Emery denies his side have all but guaranteed third place in La Liga after their 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid.

The Mestalla outfit remain five points above fourth-placed side Levante after holding Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon, but Emery is taking nothing for granted.

“Atletico came into this match on the back of a very positive run,” Emery said. “They wanted to get into the Champions League places and that was a big motivation for us.”

“We are not putting the league to one side and it was very important not to lose today.”

“We had a very serious match and I am satisfied, although our goal is always to get the three points.”

“The third place is not assured. It will not be easy. No one will give us the third place just like that.”

Valencia, who are 11 points adrift of second-placed Barcelona, travel to the Camp Nou on Wednesday in the second-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.