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Ruben Neves: 'Wolverhampton Wanderers not thinking about Champions League'

Ruben Neves: 'Wolverhampton Wanderers not thinking about Champions League'
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Wolves are on the brink of reaching the last 16 in the Europa League.

Ruben Neves has dismissed talk of Wolves' Champions League charge.

The midfielder has called for calm ahead of the Europa League clash with Espanyol.

Wolves are 4-0 up from the first leg of their last 32 tie and face the LaLiga strugglers in Barcelona on Thursday.

Winning the Europa League would earn a Champions League spot, while fifth place in the Premier League could also earn a place at the top table of club football if Manchester City's appeal against their European ban fails

Wolves are eighth in the top flight, two points adrift of fifth, but Neves refused to consider challenging the elite.

"We can't talk about it at this moment. It's a very good moment but we have our feet on the ground," he said.

"We know what we're capable of but we have to be focused on our competitions to keep our pace. It's not fair to think about it at the moment.

"Our philosophy is always game-by-game. After we'll look to the Premier League. It's not the moment to speak about the Champions League."

Neves scored a spectacular 25-yard volley in last week's win at Molineux, adding to Diogo Jota's hat-trick.

He is yet to score inside the box from open play with 12 of his 15 goals coming from outside the area and three from the penalty spot.

"From the academy I've always liked to shoot from outside the box," he said. "A lot of times before it's about my position so I don't go inside the box too many times.

"So every time I have a chance to shoot I'll try. It's a solution for the team, if I can help.

"I always looked at (Andrea) Pirlo, in Portugal Hulk and Fredy Guarin can do amazing goals. It's hard to see someone and try to do the same thing.

"I want to improve and I've improved alone because fortunately I have that quality in my football."

Wing-back Jonny has not travelled with Wolves due to an ankle injury he suffered in Sunday's 3-0 win over Norwich.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: "He had a strong kick, he's in pain, it's normal procedures – treatment in the morning and afternoon – and hopefully he doesn't stay out too long."

The game is Wolves' 45th of the season and, while they remain in the hunt for a possible Champions League place, Nuno gave credit to his players.

He added: "I will not say we don't suffer, it's tough and it's very demanding on the players.

"You see the schedule, you only have two days to play a tough game in the Premier League.

"The game is 0-0, this is how we face it. It's a tough stadium to come to and we have to be very focused."

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Head Abelardo Fernandez of Sporting Gijon reacts during the La Liga match between Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid at Estadio El Molinon on August 23, 201
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona27184563313258
2Real Madrid27168349193056
3Sevilla27138639291047
4Real Sociedad27144945331246
5Getafe27137737251246
6Atletico MadridAtletico271112431211045
7Valencia2711973839-142
8Villarreal27115114438638
9Granada27115113332138
10Athletic Bilbao2791082923637
11Osasuna2781093438-434
12Real Betis2789103843-533
13Levante27103143240-833
14AlavesAlaves2788112937-832
15Real Valladolid27611102333-1029
16EibarEibar2776142741-1427
17Celta Vigo27511112234-1226
18Mallorca2774162844-1625
19Leganes2758142139-1823
20Espanyol2748152346-2320

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