Cazorla's ride of a lifetime
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Article summary
Young midfield player Santi Cazorla is enjoying the UEFA Cup limelight with Villarreal CF.
Article body
By Andy Hall
Midfield player Santi Cazorla is looking forward to Villarreal CF's UEFA Cup quarter-final tie against Dutch high-fliers AZ Alkmaar, after playing a pivotal role in his side's win against FC Steaua Bucuresti in the last 16.
Instant impact
The 20-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the second leg against Steaua and was involved in the move that earned Villarreal what proved to be the decisive penalty. However, the night was to be tinged with sadness, as his grandmother Pilar died while watching the game from the stands.
Sad news
"I wasn't aware of what had happened until after the game had finished," Cazorla told uefa.com. "We were elated about winning the tie and when we found out, it dampened the celebrations. It was tough for me but life goes on and you have to look ahead with optimism."
Season's revelations
Villarreal's technical staff have been focusing on Thursday's meeting with Alkmaar at El Madrigal all week. Both teams have been the revelations of their respective domestic campaigns - a 3-1 win against Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday took Villarreal up to third in the Primera División table with 50 points.
'Decent side'
Cazorla said: "I don't know a great deal about Alkmaar, but people have spoken very highly of them and if they have reached this far then it can only be because they are a decent side who play good football. They are second in the Dutch table so we are expecting two very tough games from them."
Home success
Both clubs boast an impressive home record - Villarreal have not conceded a home goal in 19 encounters while Alkmaar have gone 18 games without defeat at the Alkmaarderhout. "The key for us will be tonight's game at our ground," said Cazorla. "It's vital that we get a good result to take to the Netherlands but the tie is settled over two legs and we must be at the top of our game in both meetings."
Double objective
Cazorla certainly feels no additional pressure from Villarreal's status as the last Spanish side in Europe this season. "It was a shame to see the other Spanish clubs fall by the wayside but in another sense, I was relieved as it means that there are fewer direct rivals to worry about," he said.
Onward development
"Last year Villarreal made the semis and everyone wants the team to continue improving. We will only be able to draw any conclusions at the end of the season but our position in the league table is important to us and we would like to get as far as we can in this competition."
Coaching class
Coach Manuel Pellegrini has been the brains behind Villarreal's campaign, as Cazorla explained: "The boss gives us a lot of confidence but he also makes sure that we always give our best. He demands the maximum from his players to ensure that we continue to improve. We feel safe knowing that he is backing us all the way whenever we take to the pitch."
Happy situation
Safe enough to even begin to think about winning the trophy. "All of the teams left in this competition are very good, strong sides," said Cazorla. "The remaining games are going to be close and we can only give it our best shot. I am playing for a Primera División club who have reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup - you cannot ask for much more than that."