When Sevilla play in “their” Europa League they transform into a different team, and once again they came out on top in the all-Spanish tie at Athletic Bilbao, a 1-2 victory taking them close to a place in the semi-finals. Aduríz headed the locals into the lead from Muniain’s cross soon after the restart, but a defensive mistake by Muniain allowed Kolodziejczak to equalize, and Iborra got the winner after Gameiro put him through near the end. Villarreal also won 2-1 in their first leg tie against Sparta Prague, although given the chances they missed the result was a bit short. Bakambu charged down a Bicik clearance to open the scoring in the third minute, and although Brabec headed the equalizer from a corner on the stroke of half time, Denis Suárez set up Bakambu for the winner midway through the second half. (07.04.16)
When Sevilla play in “their” Europa League they transform into a different team, and once again the defending champions came out on top in the all-Spanish tie at Athletic Bilbao, a 1-2 victory taking them close to a place in the semi-finals. Both teams had chances in the first half, Herrerín having to save from Banega and Vitolo, and David Soria keeping out Williams. Just before the break though Aduríz headed a Beñat free kick against the upright, and five minutes after the restart he got on the end of Muniain’s cross to head in the opener. Less than ten minutes later however Banega intercepted a headed back pass from Munuain to set up Kolodziejczak for the equalizer, and Konoplyanka went close before Gameiro slotted the ball through for substitute Iborra to poke home the winner.
Villarreal won 2-1 in their first leg tie against Sparta Prague, although given the chances they missed the result was a bit short. Bakambu charged down a Bicik clearance to open the scoring in the third minute, but the keeper made up for his mistake with a string of saves after that, in particular from Soldado, Bakambu, Mario and Samu Castillejo. Krejci did get the ball in the net though only to be pulled up for offside, and Asenjo had to save from Konaté before Brabec found space in the box to head the equalizer from a Dockal corner with the first half well in to time added on. Villarreal’s onslaught continued after the break, Mario heading a corner against the bar, and a few minutes later Denis Suárez slipped the ball through for Bakambu to restore the lead. However Bicik made further stops from Soldado, Mario and Bakambu after that, and Marcelino’s side may yet regret that they couldn’t wrap things up before heading to Prague next week.