Marcelino insists Villarreal do not want Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals “at all costs” after triumphing 6-3 over Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Villarreal made their 2-1 first-leg win count in style as goals from Cedric Bakambu (x2), Samu Castillejo and Bruno Soriano delivered a 4-2 victory in Czech Republic, and Marcelino is desperate to avoid Sevilla, whom they faced – and lost to – in the last eight last season.
“We showed what we missed in the first leg,” the Coach said after the game.
“The first goal marked a new stage in the game. Our opponents were better than us at that point, but we had a very high level of efficiency [in our finishing].
“We took 50 percent of our six chances in the first half, and I found the manner in which the game unfolded enjoyable.
“I want to avoid a Spanish team at all costs [in the semis]. I’ve always said that we want foreign teams in Europe.
“[On his players celebrating in the dressing room], it’s a great joy and the pride of doing things right.
“The season is still bright, and we’re extremely pleased. We’re two little steps from the final, and hopefully we take them.
“Four seasons ago, we were in La Segunda and now we’re in with the possibility of playing in a Europa League final and qualifying for the Champions League…”
