Sevilla vs Real Sociedad preview - Sevilla looking for response

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Sevilla will look to bounce back from two painful setbacks in the last week when they take on Real Sociedad, knowing that if results go their way they will be celebrating a Europa League spot.

The Andalusian club looked to be comfortably on course for a top-seven berth when they recorded back-to-back wins over Villarreal and Almeria recently, but they have been knocked back on their heels by successive defeats to Real Madrid and Osasuna.

Against Madrid last Saturday, Sevilla were thumped 6-2 at home, and then on Wednesday Gregorio Manzano's men lost 3-2 at struggling Osasuna - having led 2-0 at half-time and 2-1 with three minutes to go.

Despite those losses Sevilla are still well placed in the standings in sixth spot, within two points of Athletic Bilbao in fifth and level with seventh-placed Atletico Madrid, who they have the better head-to-head record against this season.

Sevilla are also three points clear of eighth-placed Espanyol - who they play in their final game.

On paper, Sevilla look favourites to beat 14th-placed Sociedad, who have lost 14 of their 18 away games this season - including their last eight - but midfielder Renato Dirnei is taking nothing for granted.

"They are not an easy opponent because they also need the points. It will be a very difficult game," he said.

"We're aware that it is like a final. It's the last game at home and we have to get three points. We will do everything possible to get them."

In contrast to Sevilla, Sociedad have taken a huge stride towards their objective - Primera Division survival - in the last 10 days, beating both Barcelona and Real Zaragoza 2-1 at home.

Those results have left the Basque side on 44 points, five above the relegation zone, and they could find themselves safe by the end of Sunday`s fixtures.

Coach Martin Lasarte said: "We have to maintain this intensity right until the end, not just to avoid relegation but because that's how we need to play."