Sevilla primed for Parma trip
Friday, March 11, 2005
Article summary
Despite losing their last two away UEFA Cup games, Sevilla FC travel to Parma FC with confidence high.
Article body
Parma, meanwhile, have won all three of their previous two-legged ties against Spanish clubs. In their successful 1992/93 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup campaign they reached the final by beating Club Atlético de Madrid on the away goals rule: winning 2-1 in Spain and losing 1-0 at home. In a 1994/95 UEFA Cup third-round tie against Athletic Club Bilbao they lost the away leg 1-0 but won the return 4-2 and again went on to lift the trophy.
When they triumphed again four seasons later, Atlético were overcome 5-2 in the semi-finals; keeping up their perfect record of always prevailing in a European tournament after defeating Spanish opposition. Parma did lose 2-0 at Athletic Club Bilbao in the group stage this term, however, but ended a run of two away defeats when they beat VfB Stuttgart 2-0 in extra time in the Round of 32.
Despite losing their last two away games in the UEFA Cup - 1-0 at Panathinaikos FC and LOSC Lille Métropole - Sevilla can take plenty of confidence to Emilia-Romagna as they attacked Parma incessantly on home soil. For their part, Parma have failed to score against Primera División opponents this season.