PLAYERS HAPPY AFTER "SHOWING THE WHOLE WORLD" WHAT THE EUROPA LEAGUE MEANS FOR SEVILLA FC

Erik Lamela, Fernando Reges, Loïc Badé, Ivan Rakitic and Lucas Ocampos spoke to the media after their UEFA Europa League quarter-final win over Manchester United. The Argentinian striker was the first to express his pride at what had been achieved at the Sánchez-Pizjuán: "It was a great game, it's crazy to play in the atmosphere we experienced today. As a footballer, it's the best. We knew that together we could compete against anyone and that was the key. When the team is like this it's very difficult to beat us, we had to work hard, and we struck at the right moments. I'm very grateful, as is the rest of the team."

Meanwhile, Fernando Reges was also proud of what he had experienced, as it was a special night with all the Sevilla fans: "I'm very happy, we played a great game, we played very well from the start with that goal that gave us peace of mind and I would like to congratulate the fans for their support. I hadn't felt this atmosphere yet, it was a difficult opponent and we have to congratulate them, and also congratulate the central defenders."

"The key to this tie was the first match, to come out alive with that 2-2 draw. We're very strong at home and we have a chance. Mendilibar is happy, we're on a good run of form, Juventus are a tough opponent and the tie will be decided on the two nights, but we'll be as competitive as ever."

"Mendilibar is happy, we're on a good run"

Captain Ivan Rakitic also spoke about what the progression means for the team's competitiveness in a competition that has its mystique: "I'm still absorbing it, I think that what the fans and the team have achieved is something to be proud to belong to Sevilla FC, it's showing the whole world what this competition means for the club. I thank our fans and I hope we can continue to dream together."

"We've been feeling this atmosphere for days from everyone and that stays with all of us, it's not a coincidence and we have to keep on fighting. Juventus will be the favourites again and we have to keep fighting, it's difficult to say but it's another night of glory and joy... if we had allowed 15 minutes more then nothing would have happened, because we were still enjoying ourselves because we deserved it all. The last few weeks have been very positive, we have been improving a lot and we have to continue like this, now comes the most difficult but also the most beautiful stage."

Loïc Badé, the star of the night with his goal, also spoke to the official media with satisfaction and optimism: "It was a good game from the team. It was a match in which we got the job done. The fans were incredible, their support was very important today". He also spoke of his happiness at helping the team with another goal: "Another goal, a clean sheet, it's a perfect second leg". Finally, he assessed the semi-final against Juventus: "It's a semi-final, it's normal that we play against big teams. We're going to work hard."

"We hope that people will support us again in the same way, with them we are very strong."

To close the night out in terms of player interviews, Lucas Ocampos said that the night was "Magical, it has been a magical night. It's an amazing feeling of enjoyment. An immense joy for everyone. He also lamented Marcao's injury as the only negative point, although he highlighted the rapport with the fans and his form: "I'm in a period where the coach is giving me confidence and I'm trying to make the most of it on the wing which I enjoy. With my people, my friends and my family, I feel comfortable and I can enjoy being a player again."

In addition, he valued the good form he is in at the current moment of the season: "I have to thank everyone who helped me when I was training alone. To the club that gave me the facilities to train. To all the people who were with me in the hard times. Today I can enjoy myself after suffering a lot. Three months ago I was defeated and today I'm enjoying it like everyone else." Finally, he analysed the clash against Juventus and the league game against Villarreal: "It's going to be a complicated game. Today we'll try to enjoy it, tomorrow the coach will have everyone thinking about Villarreal. Let's hope that the fans support us again in the same way, we are very strong with them. We'll try to get out of the bottom of the table as quickly as possible to finish the season on a high."