Ernesto Valverde has banished thoughts about Villarreal’s trip to Sevilla as his side prepares for a showdown with Lazio first.

The Yellow Submarine will be booted out of the Europa League if they lose to the Biancocelesti, but the under-fire coach is taking everything a step at a time.

"This game is a final because if we lose, we're out," he told Marca.

"We aren't thinking about this possibility, although we know that this is a very close competition - this is a decisive match."

Davide Ballardini's men triumphed when the two teams last clashed at the Stadio Olimpico, and Valverde insists that Villarreal must convert their chances if they are to survive in Europe.

"We had the ball and they had the chances. Now we have to have the ball and finish off the moves, converting them into goalscoring opportunities."