(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Holders Sevilla are on the brink of a return to the Europa League final as they take a 3-0 lead to Italy for the second leg of their semi-final against Fiorentina today.
It would take a remarkable turnaround in Florence for Unai Emery's side to miss out on reaching the final again as they look to retain the trophy they won by defeating Benfica on penalties in Turin 12 months ago.
A brace by Aleix Vidal and a Kevin Gameiro strike last week have the Spanish side in control and Sevilla are a team in form too, having lost just once in 18 games in all competitions, with that loss coming at the hands of Real Madrid 10 days ago.
Currently fifth in La Liga with two games left, three points adrift of Valencia in the fourth and final Champions League qualifying berth, winning the Europa League may be their more likely route into the continent's elite club competition for next season.
Emery named goalkeeper Beto, who has been on the sidelines with a shoulder problem, in a squad of 22 for the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, where Sevilla right-back Coke is expecting the hosts to throw the kitchen sink at them.
"It is going to be a long 90 minutes. Despite beating them 3-0, Fiore played very well in the first half and had two or three clear chances," Coke told the Sevilla website.
Winners of the competition in successive years in 2006 and 2007 in its former guise as the UEFA Cup, Sevilla are attempting to become the first club to lift the trophy four times.
'HISTORIC MOMENTS'
"These are historic moments for the club, in your professional career. This competition means a lot to us and you can see the results we have been getting," added Coke.
Fiorentina, who are fifth in Serie A, must do what they have never done in Europe to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit if they are to keep alive their chances of reaching the final in Warsaw and winning a European trophy for the first time since the 1961 Cup Winners' Cup.
"I think the team did not deserve such a heavy defeat," Viola coach Vincenzo Montella said of the first leg.
"On Thursday we will above all need great inner belief, the fans pushing us on and a bit of luck. It is my duty to transmit my belief to the team. It will be a huge task, but I believe we can do it against Sevilla."
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