Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic says they want to shake off their recent form slump.

A 4-0 defeat to Chelsea was followed by a 1-0 loss against Real Madrid, both at home, but they come into this week's game against Rennes already into the knockout rounds and keen to get back to their best.

"We've a lot of things to improve and we have to prepare well for what's to come," Rakitic told UEFA.com.

"We're very excited about playing an important role in the Champions League. This club are on a spectacular path, as the growth in recent years has shown."

Sevilla have a rich European history in recent years, though most of that has come in the Europa League, and Rakitic revealed what it was like lifting the trophy with the club in 2014.

"Lifting the cup as captain, seeing the fans, friends, everyone," Rakitic remembered. "Getting into the city was crazy.

"Landing with the president in the helicopter and the fans filling the field was a moment to savour for a lifetime. I hope I can repeat it again, because it's the most beautiful thing of all."