Sevilla-Atlético ‘Passport to The Champions’

By: Ryan | March 21st, 2008

(Do you ever try to write posts and you just struggle to get going? That’s what this one is like so forgive me if it’s a bit off)

MARCA is billing Sunday’s clash with Atlético as the ‘Passport to The Champions League’ and that’s in fact what it is. The winner of this game will be sitting in 4th spot and holding the last spot to next year’s Champions League.

This game is literally ‘huge’ for both teams. Sevilla finally got taste of the Champions League this season and want to relive that moment next year. Atlético are looking to get into the Champions league for the 10th time and the first time since 1996.

All the hype for this week’s game has been centering on the game as a whole. Both teams realize this game is the biggest in the season, but Manolo Jimenez doesn’t call the game the biggest of the season.

¿Considera el partido ante el Atlético el más importante de la temporada?

Es importantísimo, pero es otra final más. Las dos anteriores las hemos ganado y ahora viene otra que queremos encarar con el mismo esfuerzo y dedicación. De no ganar, sería un frenazo en seco. Aunque no es definitivo, aún no es un partido concluyente.

The list of players Sevilla are bringing are:

Palop, De Sanctis, Daniel, Mosquera, Crespo, Renato, Dragutinovic, Escudé, Adriano, Duda, Keita, Fazio, De Mul, Maresca, Poulsen, Capel, Jesus Navas, Koné, Luis Fabiano y Kanouté.

Drago and Escudé were doubtful for the game but are included in the list of 20.

The Keys For Sevilla to win this game are:

Luis Fabiano needs to keep being the stud that he is. Another 2 goals last week to 22 goals on the season (7 clear of Diego Milito of Zaragoza).

Defending on set pieces needs to be better and for the last 2 weeks Jimenez has said they’ve been working on them. Sevillisimo y más Futbol did a great piece on the defending habits of Sevilla.

Keita and Poulsen need a solid game in the middle for Sevilla to give Atlético a bit of trouble.

Sevilla’s defense need to be weary of Agüerro and Forlan up front.

That’s all I’ve got tonight as I have to do some work for Queen City FC (The NPSL team I work for in Buffalo).

Cheers everyone.