NK Rijeka vs Sevilla preview - Bacca calls for strong performance

Posted Wednesday, October 01, 2014 by PA

Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca has called on his team-mates to respond to their first defeat of the season with a strong performance against HNK Rijeka on Thursday.

Unai Emery's men head into their Europa League Group G match in Croatia having been outplayed by Atletico Madrid in Saturday's 4-0 league loss at the Vicente Calderon stadium.

The loss ended Sevilla's six-match unbeaten run in all competitions and saw the Andalusian outfit slip to fourth in the Primera Division standings.

"We lost a battle but not the war," Bacca said to www.sevillafc.es. "I'm certain this defeat will only unite us more and make us stronger.

"We have already put Sunday's loss behind us and our focus in on the game against Rijeka."

Bacca will have an extra spring in his step on Thursday after the Colombian international signed an improved contract with Sevilla this week.

"I'm happy that the club has made a financial effort for me," Bacca said. "I knew they didn't have to do it but they have rewarded me for my efforts.

"I hope I can continue to improve and help this club do well."

Bacca, whose team began their Europa League title defence with a 2-0 triumph over Feyenoord last month, insists Sevilla cannot underestimate Thursday's opponents.

"It's not going to be easy even though people say they are inferior to us," he said. "In order to win there we will have to be 100 per cent."

Rijeka lost 2-0 to Standard Liege in Belgium in their group opener but are unbeaten at home in nine European games.

Matjaz Kek's side brushed aside NK Zagreb 3-0 on Saturday to climb to second in the Croatian league standings, two points adrift of Dinamo Zagreb after 10 games played.

The hosts are without injured defender Dario Knezevic but are hoping to call upon midfielders Ivan Mocinic and Moises, who are doubtful with knocks.