Alphonse Areola has urged West Ham fans to roar the team over the line against Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Hammers go into the game knowing that they have to win the game to have any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals, after losing the first leg of the Round of 16 tie 1-0.

That Munir goal has given West Ham a mountain to climb, as Sevilla have one of the strongest defensive records in Europe; they have conceded just 19 goals in 28 games thus far this term, a lower number than the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.

Still, the Frenchman, who has regularly been in goal in cup games, believes that the Hammers fans have a huge role to play in Thursday’s encounter.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “Every week we’re playing big games, especially here in the Premier League, where we have big opponents, but it’s a different atmosphere in Europe.

“We know that the fans will be really important for us as well because we felt the last time we played in Europe that they were pushing. I think they’re going to be important for us and we’re going to do everything possible to win that game.

“They just have to be themselves. Away and at home, we can hear them, and they will be important to give us that second breath and to push us to commit and do our job and put pressure on Sevilla as well.”

Areola has made six appearances in the Europa League this season and has kept three clean sheets; a fourth on Thursday would go a long way to helping the Irons overturn the deficit.