Rufete: a huge achievement

"To reach a second UEFA Cup final is very important to me but I believe this one has more merit because Espanyol do not have the financial resources of Valencia," he told eurosport.com, referring to his 2004 win with Los Che.

"I'm confident in my team winning although the press consider Sevilla favourites.

"While they are reigning champions, have players like Andres Palop, Fredi Kanoute and Dani Alves and are in a great period of their history, we are final-specialists and I think this gives us an edge."

He also feels that their close-knit team and workmanlike ethic will hold them in good stead, saying:

"Espanyol is a unit and we don't have superstars, just grafters on the pitch. This is how we got to the final and deservedly so."

Rufete is also keen for his side to harness what he expects to be a great atmosphere at Hampden, pointing to his experiences playing in Scotland in the past.

"I've played in Glasgow, against Rangers when I was at Valencia," he said. "The city and stadium are very special; in Scotland and England they love for football and I hope that this atmosphere will help us win tonight.

"It will be tactically and physically very tough," he continued. "Finals are always a nightmare but Spanish football needs to give a good example to Europe tonight in Glasgow.

"We need to fight to the death if we are going to beat Sevilla and, while I think it will be a tight game, I hope the fans enjoy it."

Espanyol v Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final, LIVE on Eurosport.com from 19:45 BST!