Sevilla seeking home comfort

Sevilla FC are in confident mood as they prepare to entertain FC Lokomotiv Moskva on Thursday night buoyed by both a one-goal lead from last week's first leg in Moscow and the knowledge that no visiting team has left the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán with a victory in 24 European matches.

Ramos caution
The Spanish side, who were further boosted by the weekend win against RC Celta de Vigo that moved them up to fifth in the Primera División, are taking nothing for granted, however, with coach Juande Ramos urging his players to guard against complacency. "It's a tie of 180 minutes, and although we have an advantage there are still 90 very important minutes to play," he said.

Late injury
Midfielder José Luis Martí has been ruled out at the last minute after straining his right calf. In addition, striker Ariza Makukula is injured and Ivica Dragutinović is suspended, but every other member of Ramos's squad is available, including full-back Adriano Correia who set up the winner for Javier Saviola at the weekend. Ramos had made all his players aware of his expectations, saying: "We all know we have a team capable of reaching the final and we have to carry on thinking along those lines because that's our objective."

Welcome return
Lokomotiv coach Slavoljub Muslin had hoped to welcome back defensive linchpin Dmitri Sennikov as the Russian international has recovered from a back problem, but he needs match fitness and will not play. Muslin also has doubts over Vadim Evssev and Dmitri Sychev, while Laryea Kingston is definitely out. The injury to Russian international striker Sychev is a particular blow as Lokomotiv need his class in Spain following their 1-0 defeat at home.

Against the odds
Mindful of Sevilla's formidable home record, Lokomotiv chairman Valeri Filatov admits his side's chances are slim, saying: "Sevilla are currently stronger than us. They are a very serious club who are among the top teams in Spain and are regular participants in the UEFA Cup. We will not give up before time runs out and we will try to exploit any opportunity."