Jose Jurado: Spartak Moscow go to Glasgow to beat Celtic

Spartak Moscow midfielder Jose Jurado insists the players are going for the win against Celtic despite already being eliminated from this year's UEFA Champions League.

Spartak have earned just three points from their five games so far and will definitely finish bottom of Group G regardless of their result against Neil Lennon's men.

Celtic meanwhile will secure progress through to the last 16 if they better Benfica's result against Barcelona.

With nothing but pride to play for some have suggested Spartak may offer little resistance to the Scottish Champions, something that Jurado refutes.

"We are not going to Glasgow for tourism," he told Sky Sports. "We are out but we want to end the group phase with a good match and a victory.

"If Celtic believe that this match will be comfortable then they are mistaken.

"Spartak is not preparing to play a defensive match, we desire a night of joy and to play at our maximum level."

Spartak's poor form in Europe this season, as well as a run of defeats domestically, led to coach Unai Emery's sacking in late November, just six months after replacing Valeri Karpin - who is now in caretaker charge until the end of the year.

Jurado believes his departure has had an impact on the squad, especially as no permanent replacement has yet been appointed.

"The exit of the coach Emery has affected the team," he added. "I have seen many rumours in the papers but personally I think that the players were with the coach.

"For me it was a pain because Unai is Spanish and I had a good relationship with him."

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Source: SkySports