Sevilla completed a ‘dream’ by qualifying for the last 16 after Wednesday night’s scoreless draw in Lyon, according to manager Jorge Sampaoli.
The Andalucians advanced to the second stage of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in six seasons, ensuring their three-year reign as Europa League champions came to an end in ideal circumstances.
"The team had been prepared to reach this stage and qualify among the best in this continent,” explained the Argentine on the club’s website.
"Having played in this way enhances us and we could even have won. To put Sevilla into the next phase of the Champions League is a dream and when it is concrete it is necessary to give it the value it has and deserves.
"Now we are going to the next goal, to see who we are drawn against and to prepare us to the maximum for that tie.”
Sampaoli was primarily hired by the club due to his excellent record in knockout competitions, but he was forced to watch from the stands following his dismissal in last month's defeat by Juventus.
"I have experienced an unusual situation in the stand, I had not had it before,” he lamented.
"I have to correct those mistakes because I cannot help the team from that position. At least the team gave me the peace of not having so much suffering.''
