Maribor and Sevilla happy with draw

NK Maribor and Sevilla FC both departed the Stadion Ljudski vrt satisfied with their 2-2 UEFA Europa League round of 32 first-leg draw. The Slovenian side's winger Damjan Bohar was delighted to hold a side from a nation like Spain, while Marko Marin and Ivan Rakitić are confident home advantage will tell next Thursday – unlike bullish Martin Milec.

Damjan Bohar, Maribor midfielder
We had a great match against great opponents from a great league. We won the first half, but then they stepped it up and we struggled a bit with that. But we managed to get back into the game with a great debut goal by [January signing from FK Austria Wien, Dare] Vršič.

Martin Milec, Maribor defender
Today we realised that we could compete with them and that we are in good shape. To be honest, I still expect us to advance. The game is alive, we shall not surrender in Seville even though it will be tough, for sure. We will fight down to the last drop [of blood and sweat].

Marko Marin, Sevilla midfielder
Maribor didn't surprise us. We knew what could be expected of them. Still, after getting the 2-1 lead, we were a little taken aback by the equaliser, but we still got a good result. We have to concentrate on the league now, but of course we have reserves for the home game and we'll play to win.

Ivan Rakitić, Sevilla midfielder
It was a hard match. Maribor performed very well. We were much better in the second half, we could have won it, but still we scored two goals. Our home tie is awaiting us now and we have to win, no doubt.