Pre-match reports

BOUNCE BACK TO GIVE SEVILLISTAS A MAGICAL EUROPEAN NIGHT

01/11/2017

The biggest lesson to learn from the 5-1 defeat - with three goals conceded in 15 minutes - is that Sevilla need to finish off their chances against backpedaling opponents

Sevilla FC vs. Spartak Moscow: the second official fixture between the two sides and the first to take place in the Sánchez-Pizjuán. A chance to show that you learn more in defeat than in victory and that the Russian side - who were in dreamland in the first fixture - are a dangerous but beatable side given total concentration and collective intensity. It's a pivotal day for Group E.

The determination and drive that should accompany every Champions League clash should coincide with the proverbial boomerang effect, with the Sevillistas looking to return the favour of a thrashing in the Russian capital. Above all, the home side will be looking to take their chances and make the most of their possession - with the Russians only having 38% of the ball and taking fewer shots than the Nervionenses in the away fixture. It bears remembering that Ben Yedder had 1-2 at his feet before Sevilla's capitulation, but in football, there can be no ifs and buts.

Berizzo's side should respond with the famous Sevillista spirit which always rears its head in the biggest fixtures

As one would expect, the away fixture is the best and closest reference you can find. Fresh in the memory of Berizzo's side will be the fantastic start to the second half in Moscow, which saw Sevilla dominate after goals from Promes and Kjaer had left the sides level at half-time. But after Ben Yedder's golden chance came three goals in 15 minutes (Melgarejo, Glushakov and Luiz Adriano ), eventually accompanied by a fourth on ninety minutes from Promes (who achieved two goals and two assists on the night). A magical night for the Russians and a bitter blow for the Sevillistas. This Wednesday night, Sevilla will have to turn history on its head in a night which already guarantees an unforgettable Nervión atmosphere.

Ben Yedder is amongst the top European goalscorers (4, 6 including the play-off stages); Ronaldo and Kane have 5

It's important to put a positive spin on recent criticisms. Ben Yedder sits among the highest goalscorers in the Champions League following his hat-trick in the clash with Maribor - the striker has bagged four goals - six if you count the two goals scored in the play-offs. Cavani (PSG) has scored 4 and Ronaldo (Madrid) and Harry Kane (Tottenham) have scored 5 times respectively. Other figures boost the credentials of the Frenchmen in this competition: he has had the most shots on goal alongside Lewandowski (Bayern). With regards to goal difference, tonight marks a chance to make amends for a weak stat and claw back the difference between Sevilla and the Russian side. Regardless of the margin, wins, points, and making sure Spartak don't reach the knock-out stages must be considered the keys to success.

Our opponents may be weaker on the road but revenge will be the only thing on the minds of Sevillistas

Maximo Carrera's side showed itself to be a tight side in the away fixture, with a few gaps in defense, but a fearsome counter-attack when given space to work with. Their form is impressive: they've not lost in 13 games, with six wins and seven draws in all competitions (unbeaten since August). It's just another challenge to add to Sevilla's list. Nevertheless, the Russian side are less impressive on the road: having failed to win in their last nine European away matches (including the play-off stages), with five draws and four losses. Sevilla FC, meanwhile, have won five of their last six Champions League fixtures in the Nervión fortress.

Our goal can be nothing other than revenge. The zillionth night of European football for Sevillistas who can proudly say their team stands shoulder to shoulder with the elite. A European triumph is no dream but an achievable reality. To live it, keep your eyes fixed on the Nervionense cauldron.