Mallorca vs Sevilla preview - President targets Champions League

Posted Saturday, April 09, 2011 by PA

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido believes his club can make next season's Champions League.

The Andalusian outfit have endured an indifferent season, but appear to have hit form at just the right time.

They have taken seven points from their last three games; a creditable draw at home to Barcelona and back-to-back wins over Valencia and Zaragoza.

Last weekend's 3-1 victory over Zaragoza lifted them back into the top six and Sevilla are now nine points behind fourth-placed Villarreal.

"At the moment the distance is still big," Del Nido said.

"The two biggest candidates (for third and fourth) are Valencia and Villarreal, but we are going to fight as hard as we can in the games that remain to win as many points as possible. With 24 points we will qualify."

Sevilla would have to win all of their matches to take that total, starting with a win at Mallorca on Saturday.

"Every game has to be a win and Mallorca is our first final," Del Nido said.

Striker Frederic Kanoute is out injured, while winger Jesus Navas is doubtful.

The game sees Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano return to his former club for the first time since he moved to the south of Spain in the summer.

"We know that Manzano is coming, but the motivation for us is (beating) Sevilla)," Mallorca full-back Kevin Garcia said.

Striker Pierre Webo is suspended and will play no part in Saturday's match.

Mallorca remain inconsistent, but the islanders look like securing Primera Division survival.

Michael Laudrup's side have won just two of the last five games, but are now well-placed in ninth, nine points clear of the drop zone with eight rounds left.