Joaquín set on Sevilla upturn

Having missed out on a place in the Spain squad for the FIFA World Cup play-offs against Slovakia, Joaquín Sánchez has had plenty of time to think about Real Betis Balompié's derby against Sevilla FC this weekend.

Busy week
Joaquín's Betis have been struggling in the Primera División, but he will be hoping to change his side's fortune as they head for the Sánchez Pizjuán stadium on Saturday - four days before taking on Liverpool FC in their next UEFA Champions League Group G fixture. "Saturday's match is very important - it's a match between the two clubs in our city, and we always want to win," Joaquín told uefa.com. "If we win, then we will be much more confident when we play Liverpool. We need that because if we can win at Anfield we will have a better chance of reaching the next round."

Complicated contest
Although UEFA Cup contenders Sevilla are eleven places above Betis in sixth place in the Primera División, Joaquín insists that form alone may not decide the derby tie. "These are complicated matches where all players want to play well," he said. "In those 90 minutes anything can happen."

Shock success
Betis have already demonstrated that they can defy the bookmakers as they overcame Chelsea FC in their most recent European game. "We surprised ourselves by beating such a powerful team; now we know we are capable of doing that," said Joaquín. "However, the UEFA Champions League is new to us and it's possibly taking its toll, especially in the league. We hope to hit a good run quickly and on Saturday we have a good chance to get started."

Justice served
Betis have looked more impressive in Europe than they have at home for much of the season, and while the 24-year-old is concerned about his side's unpredictable form, he is determined that they do themselves justice on both fronts by the end of the season. "Both competitions are important," he said. "In the league we have to work our way up and find our level. But we can't let our UEFA Champions League opportunity pass and especially not when we have six points. If we win at Anfield, that will be something special."

International ambition
Joaquín, meanwhile, has further personal ambitions with Spain having overwhelmed Slovakia 6-2 in their World Cup play-off to reach next summer's finals in Germany. The Betis winger was left out for José Antonio Reyes for the two-legged tie, but the Arsenal FC forward believes his rival will soon be back in contention, saying: "I was left out recently but am back in the side now. The coach is the person who decides, of course, but I am sure Joaquín remains an important player for Spain." The Betis winger will be looking to prove Reyes right - starting against the Arsenal's man's former club, Sevilla.