Sevilla are back in the competition they have always done best in, and they proved they are once again one of the favourites after beating Standard Liège 5-1 in the opening day of the league stage. Banega’s free kick was cancelled out by Djenepo, but Vázquez restored the lead before the break, and Ben Yedder added two more before Banega rounded things off from the penalty spot near the end. Sevilla’s city neighbours Betis are also back in Europa, and they started off with a 0-0 draw at Olympiacos. They will be ruing missed chances though after the Greek side had Tsimikas sent off with twenty minutes to go. Villarreal also drew 2-2 in their opening match against Glasgow Rangers, Bacca (in the first minute) and Gerard Moreno (midway through the second half) twice put them ahead, but goals by Arfield and Lafferty pegged them back both times. (20.09.18)