Fanatical fans and team ethic push Sevilla into final

MADRID, Apr 28 (Reuters) Sevilla's match-winner Antonio Puerta said the club's fanatical fans and the efforts of his team mates were the keys to Sevilla beating Schalke 04 yesterday, to reach their first UEFA Cup final.

After 190 minutes of stalemate over two legs of the semi-final, substitute Puerta crashed a half-volley in off the post to set off wild celebrations in the packed stands of the Sanchez Pizjuan.

''Everyone was behind me urging me to strike that ball,'' Puerta told reporters after the game.

''Sevilla are growing and my aspirations are growing with them. But without the help of all the people behind me I am nothing.'' The goal itself was created and scored by local players nurtured through Sevilla's youth ranks with pacy winger Jesus Navas providing the cross for Puerta.

The contribution of home grown players and the link they have with a passionate fan base has been crucial to Sevilla's successful campaign. They have won all their home games on the way to the final.

The 21-year-old Puerta added: ''I dedicated the goal to my grandfather who was a great Sevilla fan and who was watching from above.

''I have been a Sevilla fan from when I was little and have worked my way through the youth ranks to get this far.

''Now I have to continue working to be able to triumph here.'' Club president Jose Maria del Nido said: ''We are going to bring the UEFA Cup back to Spain.

''In my years as president I have never celebrated a goal like that, I was jumping for joy. Now we have earned the right to enjoy a final which has been secured byeveryone connected with Sevilla.'' Sevilla meet Middlesbrough in the final in Eindhoven on May 10, the first of two Anglo-Spanish European finals.

Barcelona take on Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris on May 17.

REUTERS PDS PC1745