[sansiro1708]

UEFA Super Cup between AC Milan and Sevilla FC . 31 August.
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This post has been edited by sansiro1708: Jul 6 2007, 05:53 AM

[misha]

Sevilla's six appeal

Winning trophies has become a habit for Sevilla FC. Prior to their UEFA Cup triumph in 2006 they had not collected a significant piece of silverware since lifting the Copa del Rey in 1948. Their 4-0 victory against Middlesbrough FC in Eindhoven brought that barren run to an end. Ever since, Sevilla's greatest concern has been finding space in the trophy cabinet to house an ever-expanding collection.

Sustained success
The past 15 months represent a period of sustained success the like of which the Andalusian side have never known. Sevilla have won the UEFA Cup twice, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup since Juande Ramos took charge two summers ago. Now a fourth European trophy beckons as Sevilla defend the UEFA Super Cup against AC Milan on Friday. Having comprehensively beaten the 2006 European champions FC Barcelona 3-0 to win the competition last year, Sevilla return to the Stade Louis II in Monaco with every confidence they can do it again. "I think we're turning Sevilla into one of the great European clubs," midfielder Antonio Puerta told uefa.com. "We have a great team and Milan will have to respect us in the same way we respect them."

'Proud'
Milan will provide another indication of how far Seville have come in a short period. Judging by recent cup performances Sevilla have nothing to fear. Their thrilling 6-3 aggregate success against Real Madrid CF in the Spanish Super Cup last week was their fifth successive final victory. Of all those matches, RCD Espanyol pushed Sevilla furthest in May, taking the game to penalties after a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park before Puerta fired in the winning spot-kick. The 22-year-old only forced his way into the side on a regular basis for the first time last season after coming up through the ranks of his hometown club. "I never dreamed I would experience what is happening at the moment," he said. "I dreamed of playing for Sevilla but I never imagined I could win five titles in 15 months with the club. I'm proud to be from Sevilla."

Challenge
Goals from Renato, Frédéric Kanouté and Enzo Maresca defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup last season, and Renato and Kanouté were back on the scoresheet at the Santiago Bernabéu last week as Sevilla's excellent early season form continued. That followed a 2-0 win against AEK Athens FC in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League that has put Sevilla on course for a place in the group stage for the first time. Rumours may be swirling concerning the futures of Juande Ramos and Daniel Alves, but the uncertainty has not affected performances as the Spanish season approaches. New signings Aquivaldo Mosquera, Tom de Mul, Khalid Boulahrouz and Seydou Keita are adapting well and Sevilla look well placed to challenge on both European and domestic fronts again.

Inzaghi goals
Milan too have been in good form and veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi is back among the goals in pre-season following his two-goal, match-winning display against Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League final in May. There may not be as much at stake on Friday as there was in Athens, but Inzaghi insists it is a game Milan will not want to lose. "Seville are undoubtedly a very good side [and] are playing extremely well," Inzaghi told uefa.com. "But we really want to start the season well and bring this cup home. It's a very prestigious trophy and we want to win it. I hope we play as well as Milan always do on the big occasions."

Experience
Milan are the only side to have won the UEFA Super Cup in successive years – 1989 and 1990 – and they will be looking to claim the trophy for a record fifth time, and the first since defeating FC Porto in 2003. The Rossoneri have featured in the competition seven times in all, another record, and Puerta believes the pressure will be on them to deliver again. "No one expected us to win five finals in so little time," he said. "We're growing little by little so to lose this match wouldn't be a disaster. We're here to enjoy it and if we get things right we'll have a chance. Milan are a big club and they are in a final they are almost obliged to win."

'Great form'
Success has come quickly for the 22-year-old whose emergence has coincided with the club's golden period. Whatever the result, Puerta is determined to enjoy it while he can. "We know we're not going to win five titles every year, but we want to make the most of our great form and try to extend our good run," he said. Beat the European champions for a second year in a row and despite their recent success, Sevilla fans might be forgiven for thinking the best is yet to come.

©uefa.com