Sevilla v Villarreal: Carlos Bacca Expecting Tough Test
Sevilla take a two-goal lead into their UEFA Europa League clash with Villarreal, but Carlos Bacca is not taking progression for granted.
OMNISPORT
Carlos Bacca says Sevilla must not let their focus slip against Villarreal on Thursday as they look to make the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.
The defending champions are favourites to book a last-eight spot after a 3-1 victory in the first leg away from home, when they made a stunning start.
Unai Emery's side were ahead after 13 seconds at El Madrigal as Vitolo netted the fastest goal in Europa League history, with Stephane M'Bia and Kevin Gameiro also contributing.
Their ruthless home form continued on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Elche in La Liga as Bacca netted twice, ensuring Sevilla are still unbeaten in all competitions this season at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
However, Colombia international Bacca knows they must not take progression to the last eight for granted.
"We have to play a game of 90 minutes, with the same mentality," he told the club's radio station.
"We have to play with that intensity and desire to win the game regardless of the previous result.
"Winning the match will not be easy, they are a team that is doing very well, a very dangerous team."
If Sevilla's daunting home form is not enough to worry Villarreal, they will also be wary of facing one of the most successful teams in the competition with three titles in nine seasons.
Marcelino's men will perhaps hope to draw inspiration from their hosts, who last season produced a second-leg turnaround to beat Real Betis at this stage.
- Los Rojiblancos have won three of their last four Europa League matches versus Spanish opposition (L1).
- Villarreal have scored in all 11 Europa League matches they have been involved in this season, including qualifiers.
- Only Andriy Yarmolenko (6) has recorded more Europa League assists this term than Villarreal’s Luciano Vietto (4).
- Sevilla have won six straight home European games heading into this fixture; conceding only twice.
- The Yellow Submarine have suffered defeats in their last two European matches away at Spanish opposition; failing to score in both instances.
Having lost the first leg at home 2-0, Sevilla roared back into the tie and eventually progressed on penalties.
"We know that the tie is difficult, but not impossible," midfielder Jonathan dos Santos told the club's official website.
"We must have confidence, leverage what we have and be very focused on defence.
"We know they are a great team, are the reigning Europa League and played in their field, but go with the utmost enthusiasm and convinced that it can be done."
The visitors will need to find their scoring boots if they are to turn things around, though, and Sunday's goalless draw with Almeria will have done little to boost confidence.
Giovani dos Santos was substituted after an hour in that game with a hamstring problem, and Marcelino will give the Mexican as much time as possible to recover, but Adrian Marin is definitely out with a foot injury and Jaume Costa is suspended.
Sevilla also have a suspension to deal with after Grzegorz Krychowiak's booking in the first leg, while Iago Aspas is out with a groin injury.
