Sevilla defensive midfielder Stephane Mbia declared himself ‘happy’ at his team’s 4-3 aggregate Europa League win over Zenit St. Petersburg.
A late Kevin Gameiro goal earned the Andalusians a 2-2 draw in Russia to book their place in the semi-finals of the competition after Jose Rondon and Hulk had replied to Carlos Bacca’s early penalty.
Mbia, who was outstanding at the heart of Unai Emery’s side, told UEFA.com afterwards of the difficulties Los Rojiblancos had to overcome at the Petrovsky Stadium.
“It’s tough to come here because they have a really good team. We knew what we wanted to do but had a bit of luck and managed to score the decisive goal,” said the Cameroon international.
“In the first half we controlled the game but sometimes it’s hard as they have some really good players like Hulk and Danny.
“We tried to sit back and defend, which we’d worked on in training, but knew if we only had one shot on goal we’d score, so we are happy to be in the semi-finals.”
The 28-year-old went on to praise Coach Unai Emery, who he believes should take great credit for the job he has done at the Sanchez Pizjuan this season.
“He knows exactly what he wants and what the plans for the games are. We just try to follow him and do what he says. He’s a really good Coach.”
