Southampton manager Claude Puel has urged his side to approach their closing Europa League group game against Hapoel Be'er Sheva as though it is a final.
Thursday night's 1-0 defeat to Sparta Prague leaves the Saints level on points with the Israeli side with only one game remaining in Group K after Be'er Sheva came from two goals down to beat Inter Milan.
Southampton know that only a win or a goalless draw will be enough to send them through to the last 32 due to the head-to-head rule, and Puel is hopeful of completing the job at St Mary's.
"We had the opportunity to take qualification yesterday and it was not possible. We did not play good football in the second half, but with the goal [conceded] and no luck with our chances, it was difficult to find a solution," he told reporters.
"The result is bad, of course, but it is important to consider all of the possibilities we can still have with the last game at St Mary's in front of our own fans.
"It will be like a final, and it is important to keep a positive attitude about this because we have it all still in our own hands."
Southampton will first turn their attention to a Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday.
