A crucial fixture for Sevilla FC in Champions League Group E - the first of two back-to-back matches with Russian Champions Spartak Moscow. The two respective clashes which pit Sevilla against the Russian side are set to have a huge impact on the eventual group standings. In that regard, tonight's battle in the brand new Otkrytie Arena has to be seen as a can't lose battle. The Moscow cold - which is not predicted to be extreme this evening - shouldn't freeze up the ideas or legs of the Nervionenses, who will be looking to meet their Russian opponents with all the intensity and skill an elite fixture demands and the defensive solidity and dedication every Sevillista will expect.
Sevilla have always scored against Russian opponents in their European history. On their last visit to Moscow in the 2010 Champions League (against CSKA Moscow on that occasion), the Nervionenses took the lead through Negredo, but were unable to finish the game off, with Chilean Mark González equalising for the hosts against the run of play. This Tuesday, Sevilla will need to be on their feet and avoid mistakes if they want to secure their first group victory away from home - something which has to be considered the Nervión side's only aim.