Emery gave his thoughts on the top-four race in La Liga after Barcelona’s victory over Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona are the favorites to claim a top-four spot in La Liga, according to Villarreal manager Unai Emery.
A 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday saw Xavi Hernandez’s side claim fourth place, and the final Champions League qualification spot, from the reigning champions in the league table.
Villarreal also enjoyed success on the same day, beating Real Betis 2-0 in Andalusia. The sixth-placed side, as well as Real Sociedad in seventh, are just three points behind Barca. But they have played one more game than their rivals and, given the recent transfer activity at Camp Nou, Emery accepts topping the Catalan giants won’t be easy.
“Barcelona have had an important transfer window that gives them momentum,” said the Spaniard as per Marca.
“It’s Barcelona and, despite the crisis, they recover as the big team they are because they have options. With today’s victory, they take a step forward that the rest acknowledge.
“It will be difficult that they don’t reach the Champions League, and Atletico Madrid, the same. Betis, Real Sociedad, Valencia, us, we will all fight.
“It will be competitive and beautiful. We are battling back from a start that was not good and we know it.”
Villarreal return to action this Saturday at home to La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
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