Sevilla, the 2007 cup winners, were beaten 1-0 in the second leg of their last-16 tie by holders Barca tonight but still progressed through on the away goals rule courtesy of their 2-1 win at the Nou Camp last week.

Jimenez, whose side will now meet Deportivo La Coruna in the quarter-finals, said: "It's been a great day. We've got through against the best time in the world and that's a big deal, we need to enjoy it.

"We are very happy to have got through the tie. We've not managed to win today, but the objective was to get through and we've done that.

"The players have run a lot and worked very hard. They've contested everything, because there is no other way to beat this team (Barcelona), who are the best in the world and have not lost a knockout tie in 18 months."

Sevilla winger Diego Capel, who played a key part in the first leg win after scoring one of his side's goal and winning the penalty for the other, believes the success will help morale.

The Andalusian side have dropped down to fifth place in La Liga after losing their last three matches, and are now 13 points adrift of leaders Barca - who they play at the Nou Camp again this weekend.

"It's a moment to savour and to keep our confidence up. The team have made an enormous effort against an opponent who play very good football. It's been a great tie," said Capel in AS.