Spanish flair should light up UEFA Cup final

By Justin Palmer

GLASGOW (Reuters) - Hampden Park is set to stage a Spanish fiesta on Wednesday as UEFA Cup holders Sevilla defend their trophy against Primera Liga rivals Espanyol.

Nineteen points separate title-chasing Sevilla and mid-table Espanyol in the Primera Liga but the Catalans have been in imperious form in Europe, reaching their first continental final since 1988 by winning 11 and drawing three of their 14 games en route to Glasgow.

Should his side triumph, Sevilla coach Juande Ramos will follow in the footsteps of Luis Molowny and win UEFA Cups in successive seasons. Molowny guided Real to back-to-back UEFA Cup victories in 1985 and 1986.

"We are quietly confident. Espanyol will have to play well and play hard to beat us," Ramos told reporters.

"The element of surprise will not be there of course. But I don't think we will settle for 0-0 or go out to play for 120 minutes or a penalty shootout. We will go for an early goal and if there is one the game will open up, and it could be a spectacular match."

Ramos said his side's chase for glory on three fronts -- they have also reached the King's Cup final and are third in the Primera Liga, two points behind leaders Real Madrid -- was spurring a tired squad on.

"It's a long but very attractive season for us, the players are tired but the chance of winning three competitions gives them that extra motivation to do the best they can."

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