Sevilla's incredible form over the past 18 months must be one of the biggest success stories in world football. A squad of former misfits, bargain buys and home grown talent are now one quarter of the way through a quadruple. Sevilla are in the final for the second year running having impressively swept aside Middlesbrough FC 4-0 in Eindhoven to claim their first European silverware, and now stand on the brink of becoming just the second side to successfully defend the trophy after Real Madrid CF in 1985 and 1986.
Sevilla's household name-less line up is a raggle-taggle one that contains Freddie Kanouté - a striker currently held together by sticky tape; Luis Fabiano - a forward as likely to thump an opponent as the back of the net; Jesus Navas - a midfielder with stress problems so severe, he is unable to join training camps or be called up by Spain; Javi Navarro - one of the dirtiest defenders on the planet and Dani Alves - a puppy-like whirlwind of chaos who wants to play in every position on the pitch. And frequently does.
But it is a team whose success has been founded on planning, preparation and patience - three 'p's sadly lacking in modern football. In 2007, this trio of factors have come together to enable Sevilla to produce a side that will be kicking off match number 57 in this season's campaign - with five still to come.
It is an outstanding achievement considering the limited talent and resources available. Dynamo Dani Alves' recent claims that "I'll rest when I'm old," and "play until I drop dead," sum up the attitude of a manager, Juande Ramos, and a squad that refuses to let fatigue ever be an excuse for failings.
The sides blocking Sevilla's path to a four-trophy season's haul are Getafe in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the league, and Espanyol in the UEFA Cup - a very immediate threat. The Catalan club's current mid table position disguises the ability of a side that is extremely effective when they can actually be bothered.
Having entered the UEFA competition through winning the Copa del Rey, Espanyol have remained undefeated in all one hundred and sixty-two rounds of this year's competition.
Earlier this season, Espanyol tore Barcelona to pieces - back when it was still difficult - and on Saturday, the club's second string side put three past a stunned Real Madrid, with an inspired Walter Pandiani grabbing a hat trick. With Luis Garcia, Ivan de la Peña, and Raul Tamudo set to return, Espanyol are going to be a formidable hurdle in Sevilla's path to glory.
Espanyol have a contrasting motivation for wanting to prevail in Glasgow having reached their only UEFA final in 1988 only to lose on penalties to Bayer 04 Leverkusen despite winning the first part of what was a two-legged final, 3-0.
But Juande Ramos' men have been overcoming such barriers all season. "People keep saying we'll fail here, or here. But we don't," declared the manager recently. Will the doubters be proved wrong yet again at Hampden Park?
Probable teams
RCD Espanyol: Gorka Iraizoz; Pablo Zabaleta, Moisés Hurtado, Daniel Jarque, David García; Franciso Rufete, Ito, Iván de la Peña, Albert Riera; Luis García, Raúl Tamudo.
Sevilla FC: Andrés Palop; Daniel Alves, Aitor Ocio, Javi Navarro, David Castedo; Renato, Christian Poulsen, José Luis Martí; Adriano Correia; Luis Fabiano, Frédéric Kanouté.
18YB predicts Sevilla to retain the Uefa Cup.
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