Manolo Jimenez says result 'fair' as Sevilla beaten

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 22:44

SEVILLA coach Manolo Jimenez described their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Unirea Urziceni as "fair" despite seeing his side dominate possession and create more chances than their Romanian hosts.

Sevilla had already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League prior to Tuesday night's match, but they could have secured top spot in Group G with only a draw at the Steaua Stadium in Bucharest.

However, it was Unirea – who had never won a home match in European competition previously – who took the honours thanks to Sevilla defender Ivica Dragutinovic, who headed into his own net on the stroke of half time for the only goal of the game.

Sevilla must now get something out of their final match at home to Rangers to be sure of finishing as group winners.

Jimenez said of his side's defeat: "Eighty per cent of the possession was ours, we had more chances on goal, but football is like that. The game was there for us to win, but in football, the result is what counts and congratulations to Unirea to their chances on goal.

"The result is fair because they've got a goal, which we've given them, and we haven't."