Real Betis coach Quique Setien has paid tribute to Joaquin Sanchez ahead of his 505th LaLiga appearance.

The game would see him draw level with Xavi Hernandez as the seventh highest appearance maker in Spain's top flight.

"Today we were telling jokes because he is older than Emerson's father," he laughed.

"It's a nice fact and I don't want to deflate him, but...

"He gave the kid a look. But it's reality, it can't be changed."

Setien did also speak glowingly of Joaquin, who has become immortalised in Spanish football.

"It's an unquestionable achievement to reach 500 games," Setien added, "and to be as he is at 37.

"To continue with his enthusiasm and desire and to perform as he is now [is a big achievement]."