Sevilla fuelled by firework fiesta

Sevilla FC are ready for another fiesta in Eindhoven on 10 May after a thrilling conclusion to their UEFA Cup semi-final against FC Schalke 04.

Family tribute
The Andalusian club have become the tenth Spanish team to reach a European final after substitute Antonio Puerta’s goal in the eleventh minute of extra time last night was all that separated the sides after 210 minutes of football. "Everyone helped me kick that ball into the back of the net," he said. "Sevilla are growing and so are my dreams. I want to dedicate this goal to my late grandfather - he supported Sevilla. I'm a reserve player but I've got this far with my hard work so I have to continue doing the same."

Team effort
While Puerta may have stolen the headlines, his joy was shared by his team-mates, who were overcome when the final whistle sounded last night. José Luis Martí greeted the press with tears in his eyes. "To be able to play a European final is a dream come true," the midfielder said. "The atmosphere, the joy, it's incredible and we have to celebrate achieving this. At this time you think about your loved ones and when the referee blows the final whistle, you remember all the people who have helped you along."

'Happiest day'
It was a particularly special occasion for Ariza Makukula, the forward who has just battled back to fitness after ten months out with a severe knee ligament injury. He got a rapturous reception when entering the pitch as a late substitute for Javier Saviola. "It's the happiest day of my life," he said. "After nine or ten months injured this has been a dream match. We've all helped get this team through to the final and the crowd deserved this." The suspended Javi Navarro added: "With the fiesta in the stands you can imagine how we feel."

Lights alive
It was certainly quite a party last night. Fireworks filled the sky at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium as soon as the final whistle sounded and the non-Real Betis Balompié supporting half of the southern city took to the streets to acclaim their heroes. Fittingly, even the traffic lights earned cheers whenever they turned from Betis green to Sevilla red. However, do not be fooled, Sevilla are not ready to stop their adventure just yet.