THE DREAM OF A SIXTH CROWN ON THE LINE AGAINST A VIRTUALLY QUALIFIED KRASNODAR

It probably was not in the script written by the analysts, but Sevilla FC arrive at the final match of the group stages with still work to be done. Two defeats away from the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán means that the final result of the group will be decided there tonight. Whatever happens, Krasnodar are practically guaranteed to remain in the competition at least until the round of 32. Only a 4-0 defeat or a defeat by more than four goals if they manage to score, coupled with a Standard Liège win in Turkey against Akhisar can eliminate the Russian side from the competition.

Sevilla, who sit second, level on nine points with the Belgian side, have it all to play for and can not afford to slip-up against Krasnodar, who lead the group on 12 points. On the bright side, Pablo Machín's men only have to worry about their own match, as everything depends on them and they know that a win would gurantee them top spot whatever happens in the other game. Any result can end with Sevilla qualifying, but for that to happen Liège must not get a better result in Turkey than what Sevilla manage. Thus, the only aim is to get the three points, which, looking at past results, should certainly not be an impossibility.

If they win, whetever the score, Sevilla will not need to worry about the events in Turkey

De hecho, el Sevilla ha vencido en sus cinco partidos europeos en casa esta temporada -19 goles a favor y uno en contra- y lleva en la Europa League 16 triunfos seguidos ante rivales no españoles. Machín y sus jugadores confían en el apoyo, como siempre, de su afición, que mañana será obsequiada con una bufanda conmemorativa del partido para que el ambiente sea el propicio para lograr el objetivo. En cuanto a la lista, Machín pierde al lesionado Kjaer pero recupera a Jesús Navas para la cita clave. También regresa Daniel Carriço, a quien una gastroenteritis le dejó fuera de combate el pasado fin de semana en Valencia.

In fact, Sevilla have won their five European matches at home this season, scoring 19 goals and conceding just one and are currently on a streak of 16 consecutive wins against non-Spanish sides at home. Machín and his players will rely, as always, on the support of their fans, who will each be gifted with a scarf specially designed for this match in order to create an atmosphere fitting of the occasion. In terms of the squad list, Machín has lost Kjaer to injury but has Jesús Navas back for the key clash. Daniel Carriço also makes a return, having been forced to sit out the match last weekend in Valencia because of gastroenteritis.

A record of five home wins in Europe this season, with 19  goals scored and one conceded

The opponents will be Krasnodar, who are second in the Russian Premier League, even though they dropped two points last weekend against FC Ufa, who sit second from bottom in the table. Even so, Musayev's men come to Seville, knowing that only an extraordinary result can see them eliminated. Regardless, they have made it clear in yesterday's press conference that they will not leave anything to chance and that they will be looking for the win, despite the fact that a draw would hand them top spot in the group. In terms of absences, they will be without the Brazillian Ari, their top-scorer, who is in his home country recovering from an injury.

The game will be called by Daniel Stefanski of Poland, who has been refereeing internationally since 2013 and has never refereed a game that involved Sevilla or Krasnodar. His last match involving a Spanish side was Olympiacos-Betis on matchday one which ended goalless. On the other hand, the last time he refereed a game involving a side form Russian was FC Ufa's Playoff round game against Glasgow Rangers. The objective is clear and the margin of error, small. Time to step up once more.