Sevilla V Villarreal: UEFA Europa League Match Preview

18 March 2015 13:19

Villarreal midfielder Jonathan dos Santos is aware his side need "a miracle" to reach the Europa League quarter-finals heading into Thursday's crucial match at Sevilla.

The Valencian outfit travel to the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit in their all-Spanish last 16 tie to oust the title holders.

"We, just like our fans, are also thinking of achieving this miracle," Dos Santos told his club's official website. "We want to give our fans some joy.

"It's going to be very difficult but not impossible.

"We will have the support of 2000 fans and we will give our all until the end. We are really motivated."

Villarreal have won three of their five European away games this season, with all of those victories coming by margins of two goals or more.

"I'm certain we will have opportunities and the key will be to finish them off," Dos Santos said.

"We know they are the current champions and that we are playing away, but that will not stop us from trying."

Villarreal head into the contest after a goalless draw at Almeria last weekend that kept Marcelino's side in sixth position in the Primera Division standings.

Sevilla have won their last six European home games but are not taking Villarreal lightly and for good reason.

Unai Emery's men almost suffered an upset in the competition last season. The Andalusian outfit lost 3-1 at Valencia in their semi-final return leg and only went through on away goals having won the opening match 2-0.

"I liked the fact that when our game at El Madrigal stadium ended, there was no euphoria in our changing room," Sevilla midfielder Vicente Iborra said.

"We have maximum respect for Villarreal and that has not changed.

"We want to remain unbeaten at home and play a good game in front of our fans."

The hosts warmed up for the encounter with a 3-0 triumph at home to Elche last weekend that lifted Sevilla to fifth in the standings.

Sevilla are without suspended midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak while the visitors will not have left-back Jaume Costa available as he serves a one-match suspension.

Source: PA-WIRE