Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao share the same ambition. There are arguably no favourites.
An all-Spanish affair in the Europa League final is in prospect but Portugal’s Sporting are plotting to destroy it. It is a 3 versus 1 situation for the Lisbon-based side in the competition as the Last 4 stage is dominated by Spanish oppositions.
Having ousted English billionaires Manchester City on their road to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, the Sporting have a reason to feel confident. Under coach Ricardo Sa Pinto, Sporting look strong – both in the head and on the pitch.
In Athletic Bilbao, they face a side that also has also beaten English giants, namely Manchester United. Bilbao could make history by winning the double this season.
They have a Spanish cup final date with Barcelona coming up next month. They have the favour of pundits and above all, they have a manager who is “the best coach on the planet” according to Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola.
“[Athletic Bilbao coach] Marcelo Bielsa has brought a special identity to the team and like the press say in Spain, they play similarly to Barcelona. They are comfortable with the ball, keen to have it and build from the back,” Sporting’s Sa Pinto admitted during the pre-match press conference.
“However, if I read the press I see Athletic are already in the final. But we are Sporting: we have 106 years behind us and we have history in Europe.
“We respect everybody, we are humble, don't fear anyone and we'll fight until the end. We are the only Portuguese team in Europe now - we're proud of that - and we'll give everything to keep on dreaming.”
Sporting Lisbon or Athletic Bilbao will face Valencia or Atletico Madrid in the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League final.
“They [Atletico and Valencia] are two teams that give their all almost always and they know exactly what they are playing for,” Diego Simeone declared while looking ahead to Thursday’s encounter at the Vicente Calderon where his team recently lost 4-1 to local rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid have fresh experience in Europe compared to Valencia. Only two years ago, they lifted the UEFA Europa League title. After going riding through a rough road last season, Atletico are back with the sole desire of reaching this year’s final.
Their 14-2 record in the knockout stages of the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League proves their intent which is to score and win. Valencia are almost equally sharp in attack. Los Che have scored 12 goals in the competition following their demotion from the UEFA Champions League.
At the Vicente Calderon tonight, the public could be exposed to a high-scoring game with multiple chances for both sides.
Find full TV schedules and official live streaming details on Sporting Lisbon vs Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid vs Valencia.
