Sevilla 2-0 (3-0 on agg.) Lazio
Sevilla coasted through to the Europa League Round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Lazio at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan tonight, as both teams ended up with ten men.
Goals from Wissam Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia mean Sevilla stays in the Europa League 2019 news for a few more weeks at least; it’s a competition the Spaniards love and, on this showing, a three goal aggregate win over one of Italy’s top sides, I wouldn’t back against them going all the way.
Simone Inzaghi’s side struggled to get into the game after Ben Yedder’s early strike and must now concentrate on domestic matters.
Highlights of the game
With a one goal lead Sevilla wanted to settle into the game quickly, but the hosts had an early setback as poor Sergio Escudero only lasted five minutes before picking up an injury, to be replaced by Quincy Promes. Wissam Ben Yedder’s tap-in put the Spaniards well in charge of this tie after the first leg and he tried to double the advantage with the opening attack of the game; skipper Jesus Navas put him through but his shot from a tight angle was well saved by Thomas Strakosha.
Ciro Immobile made a start which was a boost for Lazio fans, as was the appearance of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in midfield, and the visitors soon had their first strike on goal, Milan Badelj taking aim from outside the box but his effort flew wide of Thomas Vaclik’s right hand post. Then Francesco Acerbi took a ball from Stefan Radu but his shot was off target.
On its day Lazio can live with the very best in Europe, desperately unlucky to lose to Juventus recently. And the visitors continued to probe, winning a free-kick when Franco Vazquez handled to break up an attack and was booked, but Danilo Cataldi’s free-kick was just too high.
Sevilla weathered the storm and then hit Lazio with a stunning blow. Strakosha did well to keep out a low shot from Pablo Sarabia which was destined for the corner, but he could do nothing seconds later when Ben Yedder fired home to make it 2-0 on aggregate.
Promes had a shot blocked as did Andre Silva, and then Silva headed wide from a Vazquez cross as the hosts tried to kill the game before the break. And after a quiet first half Immobile finally got in on the action, taking a pass from Felipe Caicedo but his shot didn’t trouble Vaclik. Milinkovic-Savic had a late chance but headed over as the Italians headed into half time two goals adrift.
Sevilla came out on the attack again after the break with Sergi Gomez having a header saved, and Sarabia and Silva both coming close. And on 55 minutes Lazio had its first shot on target, Milinkovic-Savic put Acerbi through on goal but Vaclik stood firm to keep his effort out.
The Italians sniffed a chance when Vazquez fouled Romelu and received a second yellow card. Caicedo came close with a long range effort and then he set up Immobile but his shot flew just over. But then, on 70 minutes, the visitors’ hopes faded rapidly as the referee evened up the numbers. Lazio wide man Adam Marusic carved down Roque Mesa and earned a straight red for violent conduct.
And it was game well and truly over when Navas put Sarabia through on goal and the midfielder slotted home from close range.
Key statistics
In an evenly contested first half, possession was shared, as was the shot count at six to six. But while Sevilla had three attempts on target, Lazio failed to trouble the Sevilla keeper once.
That had to change, and it did as the visitors registered three shots on target to Sevilla’s five, while possession and attempts remained equal. But Sevilla was more clinical and ran out deserved winner. Los Hispalenses now have three Europa Cup titles and is one of the favourites to win in 2019, with the latest Europa League 2019 betting odds placing them alongside Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal and Serie A’s Napoli as one of the most likely winners.
But Machin’s side has fallen off the pace in La Liga, losing ground to Real Madrid and now realistically with only fourth place to aim for the coach would like a back-up plan.
What’s next?
Defeat to Genoa at the weekend has left Lazio four points behind fourth spot in Serie A, currently occupied by Milan, but a home game against 15th placed Udinese gives Inzaghi’s side a good chance to get back on the winning trail.
Pablo Machin’s boys do occupy fourth spot in La Liga, but with Getafe and Alaves breathing down their necks, both a single point behind, Sevilla could do with a result at the weekend…but they are at home to Barcelona. We’ll be looking at that game right here at SBOBET soon; so keep an eye out.
The Catalans are seven points clear at the top of the table and will be determined to keep their foot on the throttle.
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