Sevilla FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk from the stands : Books and Magazines : Soccer Bible

There's certainly something special in the water. Driven to the door and taking in the cultured scent of success, when you're steps from Sevilla FC's concrete theatre of beautiful football, the atmosphere simmers around the sides. The Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium provides the backdrop for a showcase of European club football, fine dined and flavoured, it's an immersive experience that tickles the taste buds.

Perfectly tee'd up to provide relentless waves of attack after attack, this was a game that didn't disappoint. 2-2 on aggregate from the first leg with the away goals giving Sevilla FC the upper hand, it didn't take seconds for this crowd to usher in a goal for the home side.



Pegging it back a little we need to set the mood. The experience is one of rich history, in an iconic setting. We travelled to this game from our hotel with the help of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and thanks to a nifty set up, they parked us up a whisper from the front door. It was a journey that took in the streets of support. Flags drooping from bedroom windows, the scalable stadium peeks out from between tall and timeless buildings. From there we landed in among the flow of fandom as the Sevilla FC faithful looked to take their place at their beloved home of football. Scarves tied to each arm and kits from years gone by, the vibrant and assertive red outplayed the away of FC Shakhtar Donetsk before a ball had even been kicked. Infectious and vocal, it wasn't long before we had fallen for the songs of Sevilla FC.



What's more, an offering of VIP treatment from Enterprise Rent-A-Car gave us the opportunity to get in among the mix pitch-side. Stepping around the turf moments before the game, the lines of paint still drying and the trophy in touching distance - there's few chances in life to be truly immersed into such pleasures. Seats prime and centre too, we had the opportunity to experience the back stage hospitality set up as well as the resounding front line.



No regular occasion though, a win would take Sevilla FC through to the Final of the UEFA Europa League. With a flag on every seat and a passionate roar of elation not shortcoming, the club clearly handed the fans the tools needed to bring in goal after goal. The fans very much playing their part, on the pitch matters took care of themselves and with a fast flowing game unfolding, there was only really one driving force.

A perfect place to come for the neutral and even for those that are not particularly fond of the game. The sights and sounds wrap you up and sweep you away. As soon as you touch down in Seville, the architecture and the ambiance grabs you - it's everywhere and it's beautiful. Decades of difference though the true sentiment of Southern Spain runs through. Like the diverse selection of a tapas infused game, it's fine ham and cheeses that replace the pie and pint. An away experience that goes further than a match day, the football is a catalyst for the culture, a heart to drive the blood from a to b.



The game itself saw goals and goals and goals as Sevilla FC set up their spot in the UEFA Europa League Final. A delicious serving of football culture that is there for the appreciative football fan. As ever, it's the people that make the party and the ultras act as a feisty but an inspired source of sound. What's truly noticeable though is how the stadium acts as one. All fans and stands are together, singing with pride for their city. You couldn't be disappointed with any seat in the house as the view is one of romantic footballing quality.



The next destination is Basel, an equally compelling visit no doubt. A match up against Klopp's Liverpool FC, it's one where you wouldn't want to stay just one day. Like Seville, stay a couple and soak it up. Enterprise Rent-A-Car can help drive you to the door and you can get out and explore. Use the match day as a springboard to go beyond the game. We did and the water's warm.

Find out more about the Enterprise Rent-A-Car UEFA Europa League journey, here.