Sevilla are not resting on their laurels

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 22:57

SEVILLA president Jose Maria del Nido has urged his already-qualified side to go for three points against Unirea Urziceni tonight in order to make sure of top spot in Champions League Group G.

The Andalusian outfit booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-1 home draw against Stuttgart three weeks ago, but second place in the pool is still up for grabs between Unirea (five points), Stuttgart (three) and Rangers (two). However, Del Nido's sole focus is on his team finishing first in the group to ensure they will have home advantage for the second leg of their last-16 tie.

"There is no tranquility because, being on top in all competitions, you must maintain the necessary pressure of the big teams and we are not yet classified as group winners," he said.

"We should go to Romania to win, that is all there is to it. If not, we could enter the knockout phase on the wrong foot.

"We suffered many casualties in recent days, but the team has maintained the same fluidity, which augurs well for Sevilla."

Manager Manolo Jimenez was without a host of first-team players for Saturday's 2-1 win at Tenerife.

Goalkeeper Andres Palop was absent after suffering a recurrence of his calf injury in training while Julien Escude has undergone surgery for a broken nose. Sergio Sanchez also missed the trip to Santa Cruz, joining Federico Fazio, Arouna Kone, Aldo Duscher, Ivica Dragutinovic, Lautaro Acosta and Tom De Mul among the casualties.

Unirea, who can seal second place with a win, will be without Raul Rusescu and defender Bruno Fernandes.