No Sevilla fear for Luis García

Luis García has warned UEFA Cup final opponents Sevilla FC that RCD Espanyol are not there "to make up the numbers" after the Catalan outfit completed an impressive 5-1 aggregate triumph against Werder Bremen.

'Big doors'
Suspended for the 3-0 victory in the first leg of the semi-final, Luis García returned to the starting lineup at the Weserstadion and played a key role as the visitors weathered an early storm before earning a 2-1 win on the night. Considering the likes of Chelsea FC, AFC Ajax and RC Celta de Vigo have all departed the north-west German city empty handed, it was no mean feat - and Luis García believed it can provide a platform for glory. "We went to Glasgow through the front door," the 26-year-old mused. "We've reached the final and we're not going there just to make up the numbers - we're going there to win."

'Sharpen our weapons'
Espanyol know all about their opponents. They warmed up for the victory in Bremen with a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to the UEFA Cup holders but coach Ernesto Valverde will be keen to emphasise the 2-1 home victory his charges had enjoyed when the sides met in December. For Luis García, who has registered six goals in the competition this season, the side must focus on their own preparations. "Sevilla will be hard opponents and they are definitely favourites," he acknowledged. "But we will sharpen our weapons until the day of the final and we'll go to Glasgow trying to win the trophy, a European title."

Pandiani on song
Espanyol's arsenal is likely to include Iván de la Peña and Walter Pandiani, who missed the second leg through injury and suspension respectively. Both were at the Weserstadion, however, and Pandiani was leading the songs on the team bus as it left the stadium. Their singing may not have done Los Periquitos much credit, but should they overcome Sevilla at Hampden Park on 16 May then their fans, who watched the club narrowly avoid relegation last term, would probably forgive them anything.