Real Betis sports chief Antonio Cordon is delighted with the club's progress.

Cordon is in his second season at Betis after helping them reach Europa League qualification last term after finishing 15th the previous campaign.

He said, "When I arrived, I always told our people, the Betis people, that the first step was to wake up the giant. I always said it. It was the important thing. We woke up with a little bit.

"Last year we raised it. And then it has to start walking and then run. With that simile, each step that is taken is more difficult and demanding.

"And within that requirement, you also have to be aware of the economic conditions of the club. And the general conditions of football. We all know that football has suffered an economic decline in most of the clubs. Those that were well positioned have been able to invest a lot of money and have been able to boost themselves more."