Sevilla into sixth Europa League final in 15 years thanks to comeback win over Manchester United

Sevilla remain on course for their sixth Europa League crown as they came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1 in their semi-final encounter at the RheinEnergieStadion in Koln.

Goals in either half from Suso and substitute Luuk de Jong saw Julen Lopetegui’s side into Friday’s final against the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Internazionale and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Bruno Fernandes had given the English club the lead after just nine minutes from the penalty spot, the 22nd spot-kick they have been awarded this season, a record across Europe’s top five leagues.

There was little doubt about the decision to award the penalty as Diego Carlos dived in late and recklessly on Marcus Rashford.

Up stepped Fernandes and, like he had done in the quarter-final against Kobenhavn, he emphatically dispatched the penalty, burying it in the top corner.

Sevilla equalised in the 25th minute thanks to a slick passage of play down the left. Sergio Reguillón pulled the ball across for Suso who, with Brandon Williams sucked inside, had time to pick his spot.

Manchester United had the better of the play for the remainder of the half but struggled to create clearcut chances, and the second half was no less cagey.

Mason Greenwood was denied early in the second period by a strong save from Bono but clear-cut chances remained at a premium.

That was until the former Manchester City wideman Jesus Navas picked out de Jong on the edge of the six-yard box and, with the United defence static, the Dutchman stabbed home on the half-volley.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side huffed and puffed for the remaining 13 minutes, plus six minutes of stoppage time, but Sevilla closed out the game to reach their sixth final in 15 years.



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