The second leg of the last-32 Europa League clash between Sevilla and Maribor took place at the Estadio Ramon this evening.
The Spanish outfit entered the match as the slight favourites after picking up a 2-2 draw in the first leg last week.
Sevilla took the lead in the tie moments before the interval when Jose Antonio Reyes found the back of the net, before Kevin Gameiro made it 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate just before the hour mark.
Maribor had one back late on through Dare Vrsic, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Europa League last-32 coverage continues this evening as Sevilla welcome Slovenian outfit Maribor for the second leg. As mentioned, the home side enter the match as the slight favourites after picking up a 2-2 draw in the first leg in a pulsating clash in Slovenia last week.
Last week's meeting was the first time that the pair have met in European competition, but Maribor's overall record against Spanish teams is won one, drawn two and lost two. What's more, the Slovenian outfit have won just one of their last ten away games in Europe, suffering six defeats during that run of matches.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Vargas; Diogo, Fazio, Pareja, Moreno; Carrico, Rakitic; Trochowski, Reyes, Vitolo; Gameiro
MARIBOR: Handanovic; Rajcevic, Viler, Arghus, Filipovic; Milec, Mezga; Dervisevic, Bohar, Mertelj; Mendy
So there we have it. No Carlos Bacca in the Sevilla XI this evening, but French striker Kevin Gameiro comes into the team alongside Jose Antonio Reyes. There is also a start for skipper Ivan Rakitic. Marbior, meanwhile, have Jean Philippe Mendy leading their line with support from Damjan Bohar.
Sevilla are unbeaten in their 11 European games this season, winning seven times in the process. Three of those wins came in this stadium, but they have drawn each of their last two home games in the competition 1-1 - that result would be enough to see them advance on away goals this evening.
The Spanish outfit, who topped Group H ahead of Slovan Liberec to advance to this stage, won the competition in both 2006 and 2007, but have struggled in the knockout stages in recent seasons – failing to win a two-legged European affair in their last three attempts since lifting the trophy in 2007.
In terms of La Liga, the home side enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, with that result leaving them in seventh position in the table on 35 points. They are 12 points off the top four with 13 matches remaining and also eight from sixth-place Real Sociedad. As it stands, it is going to take a miracle for them to qualify for the Champions League.
Maribor, meanwhile, advanced to this stage of the competition by finishing second in Group D behind Russian outfit Rubin Kazan. The Slovenian outfit, who won two, drew one and lost three of their group matches, finished level on points with third-place Zulte Waregem, but qualified on goal difference.
The away side enter the match currently top of the Slovenian league with 38 points. They have lost two of their last five in the league, but still sit two points clear of nearest challengers Koper with a game in hand. In truth, they are big underdogs this evening, but they demonstrated last week that they can match their Spanish opponents.
PREDICTION: If Sevilla are allowed to get into their stride in the early stages this evening then I just don't see Maribor upsetting the odds. I expect both teams to score, but I think that the home side have too much about them not to advance into the last 16. My score prediction is 3-1 Sevilla.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole for all the Europa League action this evening. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. Maribor get the first 45 minutes underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. Those that have travelled from Slovenia are particularly noisy. Early half-chance for the home side as Reyes finds Gameiro on the edge of the box, but Handanovic is down to make a smart save at the vital moment.
Just a reminder that away goals count in European football, therefore the only score that could take this match into extra-time and beyond is 2-2 after 90 minutes. The home side have certainly started the brighter with the likes of Reyes, Moreno and Rakitic seeing plenty of the ball. Not too much from the visitors thus far.
Appears to be a problem for Pareja as the Sevilla defender clashes with Mendy, but it does appear that the centre-back will be fit to continue following a period of treatment. The play resumes as Rakitic rolls it back to the Maribor goalkeeper. The away side just need to feel their way in with a period of possession.
A risky pass from Rakitic almost puts the home side in all sorts of trouble as Mendy attempts to gather, but Fazio clears at the vital moment. A better touch and the Marbior forward would have been through on goal. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances with eight minutes on the clock, but there is a quick tempo.
CHANCE! The first clear chance of the match arrives for Sevilla as Alberto Moreno dances into the box before finding Reyes, but his effort is saved by Handanovic. The resulting corner from Rakitic also causes concern in the away side's box, but eventually the danger is cleared by Viler.
Sevilla have taken control of the match in the last few moments with Rakitic always a threat with his movement in the final third. The Croatian slides a through pass towards Gameiro, but Mezga is on the cover. Moments later, the home side have a free kick outside the box, but it is played short before breaking down.
Sevilla continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the box, but Maribor have been compact in defensive areas thus far. Carrico tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but it is deflected into the arms of Handanovic. Complete domination from the Spanish side, but the score remains level on the night.
Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last couple of moments, but it is still one-way traffic from Sevilla. Twice in quick succession Vitolo attempts to slide a pass towards Gameiro, but the Frenchman cannot collect on either occasion. The Frenchman does meet a cross from Rakitic from the right, but his header is straight into the arms of Handanovic.
It must be said that the away supporters are creating a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Not too much noise from the home support, but the stadium is far from full. Another half-chance arrives for Sevilla as Diogo whips a dangerous cross into the Maribor box, but it strikes the side netting.
Another half-chance for the home side as Diogo delivers a dangerous cross into the near post, but Gameiro turns wide from close range. Sevilla could easily be two or three ahead in the opening 22 minutes. There was been little from Maribor thus far, with French forward Mendy cutting a frustrated and isolated figure.
Plenty of positive moments from the home side as they continue to attack in wide areas, but the final ball has too often been short of the required quality. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Sevilla would advance on away goals. However, I would be astounded if this tie finished goalless. Little over 20 minutes of what has been a high-tempo first period remaining in Seville.
The winner of this tie will face either Rubin Kazan or Real Betis in the last-16 stage. As it stands, Betis are leading 2-1 on aggregate in the second half in Russia. Mendy has just started to become more involved for the visitors as he holds the ball before finding Bohar, but his effort is blocked by the towering Fazio.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville and in truth, not too much is happening. Sevilla continue to dominate the ball, but clear opportunities have been at a premium with the likes of Viler, Arghus and Rajcevic all defensively sound for Maribor thus far. We are in need of some inspiration.
Better from Maribor in the last couple of moments as the Slovenian outfit force two corners in quick succession. Both are delivered by Mezga, but Fazio and Pareja take it in turns to clear the danger. Sevilla attempt to break from the second, but Rakitic is felled by Viler. End-to-end football in this European tie.
It is almost as if Maribor have sensed that there is something in this for them as Mendy carries possession into the Sevilla half before sliding in Milec, but once more Fazio is across to sniff out the danger. Sevilla are down the other end with Rakitic moments later, but Croatian fires his long-range effort over the crossbar.
Another half-chance for the home side as Reyes finds some space outside the box before clipping a cross towards Gameiro, but Viler is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Rakitic tries his luck from a similar position in the next attack, but his effort is high and wide. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Sevilla have two free-kick shouts in dangerous areas turned down moments later before Mendy breaks down the other end, but his deep cross is into the arms of Javi Varas.
Slight problem for Mezga as the Maribor midfielder hits the deck in the middle of the pitch following a late challenge from Rakitic, but he does return to his feet moments later. Overall, the Slovenian outfit can be pleased with their first-half performance in Seville. Still goalless on the night after 41 minutes.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Maribor (Reyes)
Sevilla lead moments before the interval following a real horror moment from Handanovic. The Maribor goalkeeper attempts to clear a back-pass, but his effort strikes Reyes before nestling in the back of the net. That is big blow for the Slovenian outfit in the latter stages of the first period.
In truth, it has been a nothing half, but it does appear that the home side will take a lead into the interval. Another half-chance arrives as Rakitic slides a through pass towards Gameiro, but Viler is on hand to clear. Maribor are in desperate need of the interval in order to regroup.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-0 Maribor
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sevilla leading 1-0 courtesy of a fortuitous goal for Reyes. The home side have been in total control, but chances have been few and far between. It has been a real struggle for visitors thus far in Seville.
STATISTICS: The home side have had more of the ball with 57%, while they have had 10 attempts - five of which have been on target. That is in contrast to Maribor, who have not had a single attempt. It has not been a particularly feisty match in terms of challenges, meanwhile, with just eight fouls committed in the first 45 minutes. Can Maribor respond in the second half?
BENCH WATCH: Sevilla have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Bacca, Cristoforo and Marin. Meanwhile, Maribor have the likes of Fajic, Mejac and Zahovic in their 18-man squad this evening. In truth, I just cannot see where a goal is coming from for the Slovenian side.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Maribor need to score twice if they are to advance - a 1-1 draw would take Sevilla through on away goals. Let's hope for a more open affair in the second period. The home side get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.
One change for the home side at the interval with Iborra entering the field in place of Pareja, who picked up a knock in the early stages of the match. That should see Carrico drop into the back four. Maribor, however, go with the same XI for the second period. They are in need of some inspiration that is for certain.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the early stages of the second period, but Sevilla remain in control of the possession. Maribor are still yet to have an effort on goal this evening, which is worrying for their chances. Bright work from Mezga forces a corner for the away side from Carrico, but Fazio is on hand to clear at the near post under pressure from Mendy.
It appears that the away side are preparing to make their first change, which is not much of a surprise. Just a reminder that they need to score at least twice if they are to make it into the next round. They force a free kick outside the box moments later, but Bohar's delivery is into the head of Carrico.
The away side do indeed make a change with Cvijanovic entering the field in place of Mezga. It has been slightly better from the Slovenian outfit in the last couple of moments, but they are still yet to test Vargas in the Sevilla goal. Not too much in terms of opportunities for either side with 55 minutes played.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Vitolo finds some space outside the box before delivering towards Gameiro, but the Frenchman cannot make enough contact to really test the Maribor stopper, who has been a spectator in the second period thus far. Little over 30 minutes remaining and still Sevilla lead 1-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate at the Estadio Ramon.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Maribor (Gameiro)
Sevilla have their second of the evening and take a 4-2 lead on aggregate as Gameiro drives to the edge of the box before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant work from the French forward.
That forces the away side into a change with Vrsic entering the pitch in place of Mertelj. In truth, it is going to take a minor miracle for the Slovenian side to turn this one around. They need to score twice to take it into extra-time, or three to take the lead in the tie. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
If Sevilla advance this evening - and it does look extremely likely - then they will face rivals Real Betis in the next round. What a two-legged affair that promises to be. Not too much in the way of a response from Maribor as time continues to tick on. Still no effort on target from the Slovenian side, who have been poor.
Just a reminder that following this match I will be covering Valencia against Dynamo Kiev, with the Spanish side leading 2-0 from the first leg in Cyprus last week. Be sure to remain with me for that one. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the last few moments with Sevilla in total control of the ball.
Maribor make their third and final change of the evening as Fajic enters the field in place of Mendy, who has really struggled to influence proceedings after a bright performance in the first leg last week. Not much movement on the Sevilla bench at the moment, although the home side have already made one change with Iborra replacing the injured Pareja at the half-time interval.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The home supporters are in fine voice at the moment as their side moves closer to the final 16 of the Europa League. In truth, it has been incredibly straightforward.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to make it 3-0 on the night as Rakitic dances into the box before striking towards the bottom corner, but Handanovic is on hand to make the save. Little over 15 minutes of the second period remaining at the Estadio Ramon.
Sevilla make their second change of the evening as Marin enters the field for Reyes, who opened the scoring in the latter stages of the first period. The home side have just upped the intensity in the last few moments with Gameiro and Rakitic both seeing efforts whistle wide of the post. Still nothing from Maribor, however.
Possession football for Sevilla in the last few moments with the home side in complete control of proceedings. That has been the case since the first whistle with Maribor simply unable to match the quality. Just a reminder that Sevilla will face rivals Real Betis in the next round of the competition.
Still no attempt on target from the away side, which is incredible for this level of football. It has been a walk in the park for Sevilla, who continue to dominate possession of the ball. Moments later, the home side make their third and final change of the evening with Gameiro, who scored the second, replaced by Bacca.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Maribor have the chance to deliver into the Sevilla box through Fajic, but his effort is claimed by Varas, before the Sevilla stopper collects a chipped effort from midfielder Mejac.
It is almost as if both sides are just waiting for the match to finish with neither too interested in committing numbers in the final third. Mejac has a positive moment for Maribor after finding some space outside the box, but Rakitic is on the cover at the vital moment. Little over five minutes remaining.
Rakitic remains the class act on the pitch as the Croatian combines with Bacca outside the box before striking towards goal, but Viler is on hand to make a fine block. Rakitic is involved once more moments later as he threatens to meet a through pass from Vitolo, but Handanovic is on hand to claim at the vital moment.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too sure where the three minutes have come from - nothing has happened in the second half. Bohar tries his luck for Maribor, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Maribor (Vrsic)
Maribor open their tally for the evening as Vrsic makes a late run into the box before turning home from close range. Surely there is not enough time for another?! One more would take this into extra-time.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Maribor
So there we have it. Sevilla advance into the final 16 of the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Maribor. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Valencia against Dynamo Kiev. Until then!
