Fernando Llorente claims Sevilla treated their 1-0 Champions League win over Juventus like a cup final.
Sevilla striker Fernando
Llorente says his side treated their momentous 1-0 Champions League win
over Juventus on Tuesday like a cup final.
The
former Juve star sealed a decisive win for the hosts, denying his old
employers top spot in Group D to hand Sevilla their second win of the
campaign and the consolation of a place in the Europa League, a
competition they have won for the last two seasons.
The
Liga outfit came into the game knowing that only a win would give them a
chance of extending their season in Europe, and Llorente was full of
praise for his side's preparation, which was eventually rewarded with
Manchester City's 4-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach which eliminated
the Germans.
He told UEFA.com: "We knew that for us it was a cup final and we came out onto the pitch in a fantastic way."
Sevilla
will begin their defence of the Europa League after
Christmas, searching for an unprecedented third consecutive title, much
to the excitement of the Spaniard, who seemed delighted to take the
leading role in his team's win.
"We have shown the level of this side and we are happy to go into the Europa League," he continued.
"It's an important goal [scored] that helps us remain in Europe. We fought really hard."
Tags
SOCCER