Espanyol take extra motivation from 1988 defeat

GLASGOW, May 15 (Reuters) Painful memories of defeat in the 1988 will serve as an extra motivation for Espanyol when they take on holders Sevilla in the all-Spanish UEFA Cup final at Hampden Park, coach Ernesto Valverde said on Tuesday.

Espanyol reached the 1988 final against Bayer Leverkusen after eliminating European heavyweights such as Inter and AC Milan and looked certain to win the competition after taking a 3-0 lead in the first leg.

But the Catalans squandered their advantage in the return and eventually suffered a heart-breaking defeat to the Germans in a penalty shootout.

''For Espanyol the UEFA Cup is a special competition and the players were really determined to get to this final,'' said Valverde, who played in the first leg of the 1988 final.

''Having the experience of losing that final has meant that the UEFA Cup has always been a competition close to the hearts of the fans and that makes Wednesday's match doubly special for us.

''It isn't going to be the same though this time as this final is a one-off. We became favourites overnight after the first leg last time, but we didn't know how to manage a situation.

''This time it will be different as we aren't going into the final game with a 3-0 advantage, tomorrow we start at 0-0.

''In any case I don't feel I have a score to settle because of that defeat. That final was a great experience for me and I hope to enjoy this one even more.'' The 43-year-old former Athletic Bilbao coach said he was unconcerned that Sevilla had been labelled as favourites but admitted that his side would have their work cut out if they were to get the better of their highly rated opponents.

SURVIVAL EXPERIENCE ''It is understandable that they are seen as the favourites,'' he said. ''They are the holders and they have had a brilliant season and still have a chance of winning three trophies, but in a final everyone starts with the same chance.

''What I am more worried about is the intensity and rhythm with which they play football, their self-belief and their speed in attack.'' Espanyol qualified for this season's UEFA Cup by beating a much-fancied Real Zaragoza side 4-1 in the final of last season's King's Cup, but they also had to endure a nerve-shredding relegation struggle and only stayed in the top flight thanks to a last-gasp goal in their final league match.

Striker Walter Pandiani said that the experience of last season had made the players determined to make the most of the occasion in Glasgow.

''It's a game to enjoy,'' said the Uruguayan who is leading scorer in the competition with 11 goals.

''Last season we suffered so much because of the possible relegation, although we also experienced the good side having won the King's Cup. But the important thing is that this team have shown they can do big things against strong teams.'' Reuters BJR RS1858