Sevilla vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk - Emery: We must suffer to reach Europa League final

Posted Thursday, May 05, 2016 by PA

Sevilla coach Unai Emery believes his side must be "prepared to suffer" if they are to keep alive hopes of a Europa League hat-trick.

The Rojiblancos drew 2-2 in the first leg of their semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk in Lviv, with Kevin Gameiro levelling late on from the penalty spot.

Two away goals heading back to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan leaves them on course to reach the final for the third successive year, having won the tournament in 2014 and 2015.

But Emery's side are going through a dreadful run in the Primera Division, having taken just four points from the last 21 available.

And that form may have been preying on Emery's mind as he pondered the challenge ahead.

"If we win tomorrow we will have to suffer, we must be prepared to suffer," he said one the eve of the match.

"Nobody gets things without having suffered before, but you grow by suffering from adversity and we are united as players and fans.

"We know that to reach our aim we have to suffer and still be together...we will try to give as little as possible to the opponent but they will have their moments.

"We must be prepared to stand firm no matter what happens."

Despite lifting the trophy alongside his side in Turin and Warsaw, Emery even attempted to paint him and his side as plucky underdogs.

"We're expecting to face the best Shakhtar there is - they won the tournament in 2009 and they're used to winning their league," he said.

"Their coach is much more experienced than I am. It is a big ask."

The visitors took the opportunity to take in a sightseeing tour of Seville on Wednesday morning, but they are hoping to come away with a lot more than souvenirs.

Argentina forward Facundo Ferreyra gave away the penalty that handed Sevilla the draw last week and is desperate to make amends.

"This game is really the most important in my career," said the 25-year-old.

"There was next to no time for reflection on the night, everything happened just instinctively.

"It wasn't quite clear whether I touched Vitolo's foot, but the ref pointed to the spot. God bless that I have the opportunity to play in the second leg, and help return the favour to them."

Sevilla will be without Martin Krohn-Delhi, injured in the first leg, and appendicitis victim Jose Antonio Reyes, with Shakhtar missing Oleksandr Gladkiy and Dentinho.