ESPANYOL v SEVILLA UEFA CUP TICKETS

May 18, 2007 on 8:49 am | In Uncategorized |

ESPANYOL v SEVILLA Wednesday, May 16, 2007 Hampden Park, Glasgow Kick Off: 20:45 (CET)

Neutrals may complain about a European final being a one-country arfaitr, but both Espanyol and Sevilla thoroughly deserve their place in the limelight after an arduous journey to reach Hampden Park.

For los Periquitos to have progressed through 14 games in the tournament without tasting defeat at at any stage is a testament nit only to their players, but to couch Ernesto Valverde.

Without making many changes to the squad after taking over the reins last summer, the former Athletic Club boss has transformed the fortunes of the club that have forever lived hi the shadow of FC Barcelona.

Progress in the league has been slow in recent seasons and the cup competitions have represented something of an oasis with Espanyol winning the Copa del Rey last term.

Under Valverde though, things have improved on all fronts and any thoughts at’ battling against relegation again this season were soon banished after a confident start to the campaign.

Whether the club would have been challenging for a top six finish had they not had the midweek exhertions in the Europe does not matter, now that they have their first chance of enjoying continental success for the first time in 19 seasons.

Sevilla already have experience of winning the trophy as they are the current holders.

Last season all the Andalusian club’s efforts remained focused on the tournament, but reaching the final this term should be considered an even more remarkable feat as the club has remained in contention tot unique treble.

As well as the 12 European encounters (Sevilla did not have play a qualifying round as holders) Juande Ramos’ team arc battling for the Spanish league title and arc in the Copa del Rey final.

The two clubs met most recently in the league on April 29, with Sevilia securing a 3-l victory, but that cannot be seen as an indicator to the outcome in Glasgow as los Periquitos did not play a full-strength ride.

Back in December, Espanyol won 2-1 at Montjuic so they have shown that they are capable of overcoming their opponents and and will, no doubt , be relishing the label of underdogs after their unbeaten run thus far.

The UEFA Cup may be criticized for lacking the quality of the Champions League, but neither of these sides will care if thee lift the trophy on Wednesday.

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