First team

A NEW MILESTONE: THREE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sevilla's previous record was back-to-back qualifications in 2009 and 2010, and 2015 and 2016

Sevilla qualified for next season's Champions League despite defeat against Real Madrid on Sunday night to secure a third consecutive season in Europe's premier competition.

After Villarreal failed to beat Real Sociedad the same evening, Sevilla were confirmed to finish fourth in LaLiga this season to extend their stay among Europe's elite to a club-record three seasons.

To record previously stood at back-to-back qualifications in 2008/09 and 2009/10, and 2014/15 and 2015/16, but qualification this season is the first time that Sevilla have secured their place via their league position in seven years.

If Sevilla beat Osasuna on Sunday they will record the second-best points total their history

Sevilla welcome Osasuna to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday and they will record the second-highest points total in the club's history should they beat the relegated-outfit.

Even if victory evades Jorge Sampaoli's side, the 2016/17 campaign will be among the best in the club's history as one of only 13 campagins in which the club have finished in the top four in 73 top flight seasons.

Sevilla have recorded 17 more points than last season to confirm their sixth qualification for the Champions League in the last 11 campaigns. Only Real Madrid (17), Barcelona (15), Atlético Madrid (8) and Valencia (7) have enjoyed more seasons in the the competition this century.

Sevilla have finished in the top four in 13 of their 73 seasons in the top flight

And qualification this season is merited, given that the side have only been outside the top four on four matchdays - the fourth, sixth and 11th - and have been in the Champions League for 26 consecutive matchdays with one game to play.