Sevilla boss Unai Emery has admitted that his side fell below their usual level of performance in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Victory on Sunday would have moved Sevilla to the top of La Liga, but Aritz Aduriz scored the only goal of the match at San Mames.

"We had lots of enthusiasm placed in this game and we wanted to maintain the level we've shown so far, so our disappointment is proportionate to the outcome," he told reporters.

"There can be no criticism for the attitude of players though and our motivation was high.

"Maybe because of the venue and the rival we faced, who showed their willingness and capability of winning, we've been below the level we're capable of. Athletic took a lot from very little and did their job well, but the level of play today was very demanding."

Sevilla have dropped into fifth, but they are just two points off the top of the table.