Salva Sevilla has warned Lyon that Real Betis could not make any compromises within the Europa League as they chase success on multiple fronts. The Andalusian club, who host Thursday's game on the Estadio Benito Villamarin, earned the place in Group I - also contested by Guimaraes and Rijeka - by finishing seventh within the Primera Division before brushing Jablonec aside within the play-offs.
Betis make time consuming start to the brand new domestic campaign, however, and Sunday night's 3-1 victory over Valencia was their first in three attempts. Midfielder Salva's brace proved the difference against Los Che and the man is optimistic coach Pepe Mel helps keep faith with him and also a winning line-up.
He told his club's official website: "We are really looking forward to this competition. For nearly every one of the players this is a new experience. We hope we can enjoy ourselves whenever possible. If Mel does create a change then he may well start Congolese striker Cedric Mabwati in the expense of Alvaro Vadillo.
Betis haven't met Lyon in European competition but have won three games against French opposition - Monaco, Auxerre and Bordeaux - on home turf.
Lyon, meanwhile, are nevertheless smarting after Real Sociedad edged a couple-legged play-away and off to achieve the Champions League group stages. Les Gones coach Remi Garde should start Bafetimbi Gomis alongside Jimmy Briand in attack but inside forward Alexandre Lacazette can also be pushing to be involved.
Gomis is finally within the team after spending his summer negotiating a move to Barclays Premier League side Newcastle, which ultimately fell through. President Jean-Michel Aulas told www.olweb.fr: "I firmly rely upon this group plus Remi's management, and so I do believe we have a bright future.
{ 0 comments... read them below or add one }
Post a Comment