As West Ham United and their significant away support descended on the city of Seville last Thursday, BT Sport asked Football Espana to explain what makes the footballing culture in the Andalusian capital so special.
Seville, home to both Sevilla and Real Betis, is a unique city within Spain’s footballing culture and arguably the most passionate.
Sevilla hold the record for victories in the competition, with their six triumphs all coming in the 21st century. Something which has shaped the club, as attested to by locals and pundits alike.
Manager Julen Lopetegui and central midfielder Nemanja Gudelj also spoke ahead of the tie about Sevilla’s current situation and the close relationship with the competition. Both were present as Sevilla lifted the trophy in 2020, defeating Inter in the final.
The first leg went the way of the hosts, with Sevilla grinding out a 1-0 victory to take to London courtesy of a well-worked Munir El-Haddadi strike. Sevilla will no doubt be full of desire to add to their trophy collection, with the final taking place at La Cartuja stadium in their home city.