Zokora eyes repeat Rangers defeat

Sevilla FC's 4-1 win at Rangers FC on 29 September was probably the pivotal result of both teams' UEFA Champions League campaign. As the pair meet again with the home side through and the Scottish titleholders out, Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora is keen on a repeat victory.

Home draws
A point would confirm the home team as Group G winners, having secured a first knockout place as early as Matchday 4. However, the Spanish side are without a victory since a 2-1 win at CD Tenerife on 21 November, having been held by strugglers Málaga CF and Real Valladolid CF in their last two home games, and Zokora hopes to end that run. "It won't be an easy as every Champions League game is difficult and after two draws at home we must win," said the Ivorian international midfielder. "We have to win. If we want to lift the trophy we have to beat the best teams. On Wednesday we have to ensure first place and we'll see who we will play against in the next round."

Davis vow
Rangers will finish fourth courtesy of their three home defeats, but before the loss to Sevilla they began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at VfB Stuttgart, and also picked up a point at FC Unirea Urziceni on Matchday 4. Midfielder Steven Davis is keen that the Scottish champions at least keep up that good away form, saying: "We are playing for nothing but we are going to play against one of the best teams of the world. Sevilla are really good and dangerous, but we will play for pride. Of course we are a bit disappointed with our performance in the Champions League this season."

Focus
While there has been much talk in recent weeks of Rangers' financial position, with manager Walter Smith agreeing to work without a contract from next month until a new owner is found, Davis says off-pitch concerns have not had an impact on the team's performances. "From the players' point of view it has been very easy to concentrate despite the problems the club has," he said. "We don't have to sell players in January, we almost have the same squad as two seasons ago and this is good for us."