All eyes are on RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany, for tonight's 2020 UEFA Europa League between five-time champions Sevilla and Inter Milan.

The tie is by no means on a knife's edge for either side, as they head into the tie on imperial form.

Principal actors from both sides have been talking ahead of the game many believe could go either way.

Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla coach: "Inter are equipped to compete in the Champions League given the extraordinary calibre of players they have and a very experienced manager. That will require us to be at our limit in every respect, and to be able to put in a great performance in all aspects of the game to compete with them. It is a daunting challenge."

Antonio Conte, Inter coach: "We have to play with the desire to win and bring the trophy back to Italy – and to bring a trophy back to Inter. We have to show that we're the better team. It's always important to be able to tell the lads at the end of the game that we don't have any regrets. If we're the better side, we'll lift the trophy.

If not, we'll have given our all, and we'll applaud our opponents."

Lautaro Martínez, Inter forward: "I want to try to win my first title with Inter, which would be very special. It's the first final for me; it could mean the first trophy of my career. We're very close to the trophy]. We have the chance, the possibility, and we'll play like we have to."

Lopetegui and Koundé on Sevilla's bid for sixth title

Jules Koundé, Sevilla defender: "Lukaku is one of the best forwards in the world. He's strong in physical terms but is also good with the ball at his feet and at knockdowns. He uses his body extremely well and is quick too.

It's a level above anything else we've faced this season. We'll need to up our game. Bringing the trophy back to Seville would be great."

Samir Handanović, Inter goalkeeper: "I came to Inter to win trophies. Unfortunately, the situation over the last few years wasn't the best, but we have now reached a point where we can fight for something important. This has to be a starting point. Inter have to be a team who make a habit of playing in these kinds of matches, as they did ten, 15 years ago."

Joan Jordán, Sevilla midfielder: "We're up against very difficult opponents, and we're full of respect for them.

Still, we'll try to play like Sevilla. We'll need to pay attention to the details, and I think the 'mini-matches' within the match will be very important. That's what worries me the most for Sevilla."

According to a report on uefa.com, UEFA president Aleksander ÄŒeferin will present the trophy to the winning team, and also hand over the medals to the players and staff of both teams. The trophy ceremony procedure has been aligned with the local authorities. All officials involved in the trophy presentation have undergone COVID-19 testing, and will not be required to wear masks.