Sevilla welcomed Polish outfit Slask Wroclaw to the Estadio Ramon in the first leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday.
The away side took the lead after 16 minutes courtesy of a header from Marco Paixao, but Ivan Rakitic levelled with a free kick in the latter stages of the half.
Slask continued to threaten in the second half, but goals from Marko Marin (2) and Kevin Gameiro ensured that Sevilla will take a 4-1 lead into the second leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We switch our focus to the Europa League this evening as Sevilla welcome Polish outfit Slask Wroclaw in the first leg of the playoff round. The home side will certainly enter the tie as the strong favourites, but Slask have already demonstrated that they can perform at this level of football. Let’s hope for an entertaining clash in Spain.
As mentioned, Sevilla’s involvement in the Europa League this season has been criticised in some quarters following their ninth-place finish in La Liga last season. Of course, that would not usually be enough to book their spot in Europe, with Malaga’s ongoing European ban meaning that the eighth-place team in the table, Rayo Vallecano, would enter the competition.
However, the capital outfit were expelled from the competition after falling into administration and although Rayo launched a number of appeals, it was decided by UEFA that the final Europa League spot would be given to Sevilla. It isn’t too much of a problem at this stage of the competition, but I suspect there would be a few unhappy people if the Spanish side were to win it.
Politics aside, Sevilla are in the Europa League and just one round away from making the group stages. The Spanish side were drawn against Montenegrin outfit Mladost in the previous round, but recorded a 3-0 win in the first leg before securing a 6-1 victory on their travels. The last round was comfortable, but you can be sure that their opponents this evening will provide a tougher test.
It has been a difficult summer for Sevilla, who lost star duo Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas to Manchester City. Meanwhile, the likes of Luis Alberto, Antonio Luna and Jose Campana all sought pastures new in a huge turnaround for the club. Unai Emery has managed to bring in some fresh and exiting players, however, which should stand them in good stead for the season.
Among the players that have been introduced are Kevin Gameiro and Marko Marin. After losing Negredo to Manchester City, it was important that Sevilla purchased a ready-made replacement. When Paris Saint-Germain purchased Edinson Cavani this summer, it quickly became apparent that Gameiro would be fighting a losing battle at the French outfit next season.
That forced Sevilla into a move for the 26-year-old, who is expected to lead their line in the new campaign. One thing is for certain, Gameiro is a goalscorer. Prior to joining PSG in 2011, Gameiro struck 56 goals in 120 games for Lorient, while his total of 23 in 78 for PSG is also more than respectable when taking into account the number of times he appeared from the bench.
Marin, meanwhile, joined on loan from Chelsea following a difficult spell with the Premier League club last season. He is full of talent, however, and has already demonstrated that he will flourish with a run of regular games. He was unable to prevent Sevilla losing their opening league game of the season, however, with Atletico Madrid winning 3-1 at the Estadio Ramon last weekend.
Sevilla also boast one of the most in-demand midfielders in world football. Goeffrey Kondogbia, who joined the Spanish side from Lens in 2012, is widely regarded as the hottest property in La Liga. It is no surprise that a number of European clubs, both at home and abroad, have been linked with his services this summer, but it does appear that he will remain with Sevilla, for this season at least.
Sevilla will also enter this match full of confidence based on their home record last term. Incredibly, 40 of their 50 points in La Liga last season arrived on their own patch. In fact, only Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid won more points at home last season than Sevilla. Just the one victory arrived on the road, however, with their record of 10 points on their travels the joint-worst in the division alongside Celta Vigo and Real Mallorca.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Figueiras, Fazio, F. Navarro, Alberto; Kondogbia, Rakitic, Rabello; Marin, Jairo, Gameiro
SLASK: Gikiewicz; Kokoszka, Dudu, Pawelec, Ostrowski; Sobota, Mila, Stevanovic, Kazmierczak; Plaku, Paixao
So there we have it. Strong Sevilla side this evening with Gameiro joined in attack by Marin and 20-year-old striker Jairo, who joined the club from Racing Satander in the summer. Kondogbia and Ivan Rakitic also start for the Spanish outfit. The away side pair Sebino Plaku and Marco Paixao in attack, while there is also a starting role for Sebastian Mila in the centre of their midfield.
You could be forgiven for not knowing too much about Sevilla’s opponents this evening, so let me take a moment to bring you up-to-speed. Slask, currently operate in the top level of Polish football, were founded in 1947. They have won their domestic league on two occasions, with their latest success coming in the 2011-2012 campaign.
They finished third last season, but they did make it to the final of the Polish Cup. It has not quite gone to plan in the new campaign, however, with the club sitting 12th in their domestic table having drawn three of their four matches since the start of the season. That said, as we have seen all too often, domestic form counts for nothing in Europe.
Unlike Sevilla, Slask have had to negotiate their way past two rounds to make it to this stage of the competition. They overcome Rudar with an aggregate score of 6-2 in July to set up a clash with Belgian outfit Club Brugge. It would be fair to say that not too many people fancied them, but a 1-0 win at home followed by a 3-3 draw away was enough to book their spot in this stage.
In terms of recent form, Sevilla will enter the match full of confidence having won four of their last five matches in all competitions. Two of those games were in the previous round against Mladost, but they did their confidence no harm at all with a 3-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester United in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial earlier this month.
The away side have also been in solid form in recent weeks despite their poor start to the league season. They might not have won in the Ekstraklasa this season, but they have been beaten just once. Including their two matches against Club Brugge, they are unbeaten in their last five games, which also includes the Polish cup.
Here’s a word from Sevilla boss Unai Emery, who spoke to reporters at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday: “Our target is the Europa League, to be in the group stage is paramount, it is a priority. We come up against a Slask side that were league champions two years ago, whilst their team can surprise us, because they have players that when you are not concentrating, can cause you alarm."
Emery continued: “They have players that want to surprise us and eliminate us. We have watched them, one of our coaches has even seen them live and I insist that they are a team to be respected. This is the same team that two years ago won their League. For the prudence and responsibility as a coach that I have, I say that they are a team that can cause us problems.”
Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged, just about time for my pre-match prediction. Emery has insisted that Slask a team to be "respected" and while that is the case, it is difficult to predict anything other than a comprehensive home win this evening. In terms of score, I am going to back a 3-0 victory for the Spanish outfit.
Here we go then. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. However, you get the feeling that Slask need to score an away goal if they are to have a chance of advancing to the group stages. The away side get the action underway on this warm evening in Seville.
Positive start from the home side with Fazio and Navarro seeing plenty of the ball in the opening couple of moments. A half-chance arrives as Rakitic drives a low cross into the box, but Gikiewicz is on hand to collect. Jairo beats the offside trap moments later, but once more the Slask stopper makes the save.
First sign of Plaku for the away side as the attacker collects a pass from Mila before driving a low cross to the near post, but Fazio rises to clear under pressure from Sobota. Dudu has an effort from distance moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. End-to-end opening four minutes in Seville.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Despite Sevilla's struggled last season, they had a very strong record on this ground. Rabello puts the ball in the back of the net for the home side moments later, but the offside flag is raised. Explosive start to this Europa League tie with both sides attacking at every opportunity.
Sevilla have just started to raise the tempo in the last couple of moments with Rabello and Jairo joining Gameiro at each opportunity. Another half-chance arrives following a searching cross from Figueiras, but Mila just manages to head clear under pressure from Marin. No sign that either team will attempt to keep things tight in the early stages as the pressure continues.
The first set piece for the away side arrives as Mila is felled outside the box by Fazio. The Pole steps up before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Kondogbia rises highest to clear the danger. Neither side has really settled in possession thus far with the referee forced to intervene following a couple of late challenge in the middle of the park.
Explosive work down the left from Ostrowski as the Slask winger drives past Navarro before moving to the by-line, but Fazio is across to make the challenge. If Sevilla thought that this game would be a walk in the park, then they have been mistaken. Slask are full of energy in the final third. However, you do wonder whether their fitness levels will last deep into the second period.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments with the Spanish outfit twice coming close with dangerous corners into the box. Eventually it falls to Rakitic outside the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. That is about as close as either side has come in the opening 14 minutes.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in midfield. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced into action to deal with a couple of late challenges, but has yet to issue a card. The tempo has been slowed due to the stop-start nature.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Slask (Paixao)
Slask lead in the Estadio Ramon! The home supporters are silenced with 17 minutes on the clock as Paixao rises in the box before thumping a powerful header into the back of the net. Moments before, Sevilla had been forced into a change with young French midfielder Kondogbia forced to depart, with Iborra taking his place.
Well, that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Make no mistake about it, Slask deserve their lead. They have passed the ball better in the opening 19 minutes, with Sevilla struggling to gain any sort of tempo. Rakitic tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but again it moves high and wide of the crossbar.
Half-chance for Sevilla to test Gikiewicz from outside the box as Marin is felled by Mila. The on-loan Chelsea midfielder attempts to bend the set piece into the bottom corner, but the away side's stopper is across to make a fine save. Good response from Sevilla, who have dominated the possession in the last couple of moments.
The Spanish side continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area with Marin and Rakitic seeing plenty of the ball, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. The free-kick count continues to rise, meanwhile, with Slask attempting to slow the tempo at every opportunity. The tactic has worked thus far.
Slask continue to threaten on the counter, however, with Paixao's movement causing all sorts of problems in the final third. The Portuguese threatens to score his second with a deep run into the box, but he cannot meet the cross from Plaku. Rabello has a half-chance down the other end moments later, but his effort is just wide of the post.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for the home side as Marin finds Gameiro inside the box, but once more the away side's goalkeeper manages to make the save. The pressure continues as Sevilla pen Slask into their own box, but Marin's effort is eventually saved by Gikiewicz. What an evening he is having!
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Jairo as the Spaniard kicks out at Stevanovic outside the box. Sevilla just need to keep their heads at the moment with the referee now willing to look to his pocket as the challenges continue to arrive. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining, with Slask still leading courtesy of that header from Paixao.
Paixao becomes the first Slask player to enter the book for seemingly kicking the ball away, although it does seem a harsh decision with the noise inside the stadium. The latest set-piece for the away side allows Mila to whip a free kick into the box, but Beto comes out to claim. Very entertaining match in Seville with 33 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the away side as Paixao beats the offside trap before advancing into the Sevilla box, but Beto just manages to make the save. Not too many Slask supporters have made the trip this evening, but those that are in attendance are enjoying themselves there is no question about that.
Slight problem for Mila as the Slask midfielder, who has been their best player thus far, hits the deck after appearing to twist his ankle. It does not look too clever for the number 11. Eventually the skipper does return to his feet, while Paixao also receives some strapping on the sidelines. Moment or two for the players to catch their breath following an end-to-end 37 minutes.
Marin becomes the latest Sevilla player to enter the referee's book following a late challenge on Pawelec. There is no question that their frustration is growing, but they need to be careful in the latter stages of the first period. Where has this first half gone? It has flown past. Slask will be delighted with their attempts thus far.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Slask (Rakitic)
It's poor defending from Stevanovic as the Slask midfielder chops Rabello down outside the penalty area, gaining a yellow card for his troubles. Rakitic whips his free kick into the box, but Gikiewicz cannot make contact as it nestles in the bottom corner.
That has certainly lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium. In truth, it had been coming with the number of free kicks that the away side were conceding outside the box. Marin attempts to complete the turnaround moments later with an effort from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Ostrowski is in the wars moments later as the Slask defender is chopped down by Moreno on the right. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Mila, but Plaku can only plant his header over the crossbar. Wonderful chance to take the lead with little over three minutes of the first period remaining.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment with both sides committing to numbers to each attack. Gameiro has a half-chance for the home side as he meets a cross from Marin, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper, before Plaku fires one high of the crossbar down the other end. What a half of football this has been. Incredible entertainment in Seville.
I should not think that there will be too much time added in the latter stages of the first period with Sevilla in control of the possession. Even if Slask were to lose this game 2-1 or 3-1, they have given themselves a real chance with an away goal. Not too much football remaining in the first half.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-1 Slask
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Slask took the lead after 16 minutes courtesy of a powerful header from Paixao, but a free kick from Rakitic levelled the scores. It has been a pulsating 45 minutes of football in this Europa League encounter.
The way that the home players are trudging off the pitch is a clear indication that they expected an easier match this evening. From the very first moment, Slask have not given Sevilla a moment to rest. Aside from a couple of half-chances for the home side, the Polish outfit have also dominated in the final third.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a wealth of attacking talent on the bench in the shape of Diego Perotti, Vitolo and Carlos Bacca - who has enjoyed a successful start to his career with the club. Slask, meanwhile, also have options in the final third with Socha, Patejuk and Gavish all in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come in Poland next week. As it stands, Slask will enter that match as the favourites. No changes for either side at the interval as Sevilla get the half underway.
I think it would be fair to say that Unai Emery gave his side a bit of a hammering in the dressing room at half time. Their performance in the first period was just not good enough for long periods. They have started this half brighter, however, with Marin's perseverance winning a couple of early corners.
Half-chance for the away side to retake the lead as Dudu finds Paixao with a searching pass, the Portuguese turns inside Fazio, but Navarro is across on the cover. Moments later Rakitic thumps an effort from outside the box, but it just rises high and wide of the crossbar. He has looked the most likely for the Spanish outfit.
It's a bit of a cheap one from Plaku as the Slask midfielder elbows Figueiras in the chin, but the referee takes no action. The home side threaten with another half-chance moments later, but Gameiro cannot beat Pawelec to the through pass from Rakitic. The pressure is rising, but the away side remain very much a threat on the counter.
It has been much better from the home side in the early stages of the second period, but they are finding the Polish outfit a tough nut to crack. Marin remains the most likely for Sevilla as the on-loan Chelsea midfielder continues to craft outside the box, but he has been unable to find the run of Gameiro thus far. Still 1-1 with 54 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Double-chance for the away side as Mila finds Paixao in the box, his effort is saved by Beto, it falls to Dudu, but the home side's goalkeeper just manages to palm it away at the vital moment. Wonderful from the Portuguese stopper. Mila has a strike himself moments later, but it moves wide of the post.
You just get the feeling that a goal is coming, but for who? Sevilla started the half the stronger, but Slask have found a second gear in the last few moments with Mila causing problems with his pace and crossing ability in wide areas. Little over 30 minutes remaining of what has been an utterly enthralling Europa League tie in Seville.
Opportunity for Rakitic to again threaten with a set piece as Jairo is felled outside the penalty box by Dudu. The Croatian midfielder stands over the free kick, but he just fires his effort wide of the post. A couple of inches away from sending the Spanish side into the lead. He has been the best player on the pitch this evening.
The away side make their first change of the match as Plaku is replaced by Spahic. Gameiro wants a penalty moments later as the Sevilla striker falls in the box under contact from Ostrowski, but the referee is not interested. The resulting corner from Rakitic presents Fazio with a chance inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Mila. The atmosphere is really heating up in Seville.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Jairo, who has struggled to make an impact this evening, is replaced by Bacca. We have not seen too much from Slask as an attacking threat in the last five or 10 minutes, but they are certainly capable on the counter. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
CHANCE! Another opportunity comes and goes for the home side as Navarro bursts down the left before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but there are no takers at the back post. A similar crossing chance arrives for Gameiro moments later, but once more it moves out harmlessly for a goal kick.
Slask appear to have found a second wind in the last couple of moments with the Polish outfit starting to dictate possession in the final third. If you had offered Slask a 1-1 draw before kickoff, they would have snapped it up in an instant. It could yet be more than that with Dudu and Paixao still dangerous in the final third.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Slask (Marin)
Wonderful, wonderful goal from Marin. The on-loan Chelsea midfielder sends his side into the lead as he collects possession outside the box before firing a low effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant technique from the playmaker, who has grown into this second period.
Good response from the away side as Dudu and Sobota both have attempts from outside the box, but neither really tests Beto. A free kick down the left allows the latter to drop a cross onto the head of Mila, but his header is wide of the target, before Bacca is denied down the other end by Gikiewicz.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with Slask opening up since conceding a second. Paixao remains the target in the final third as he is again picked up by Mila, but his header is straight at Beto. Marin again crafts and probes down the other end, but he cannot find Rabello inside the full-back.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Sevilla to score their third as Gameiro collects a pass from Marin before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Gikiewicz is out to make a fine save. The pressure has been constant from the home side in the last couple of moments as they attempt to secure a strong lead ahead of the second leg next week.
Sevilla make their third and final change of the evening as Perotti replaces Rabello. Slask just cannot get out of their own half at the moment with waves of white shirts striving forward. Gameiro has another opportunity just inside the box, but once more the Frenchman's effort is wild. It has not quite been his night in terms of finishing, not yet anyway.
Right, little over 10 minutes remaining in this first leg. Just a reminder that the second leg in Poland will take place next week. Based on this evening's action, it should be a cracker. Perotti is involved down the left as he combines with Bacca before floating a cross into the box, but it was always too high for Marin, who had made a late run into the box.
Couple of changes for the away side as Gavish and Holota enter the field in place of Ostrowski and Stevanovic. Another half-chance arrives for the home side moments later as Bacca evades two challenges before rounding the goalkeeper, but Gavish is on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. What an introduction for the Slask midfielder.
The pressure continues with Marin and Rakitic both attempting to probe outside the box, but Slask manage to clear at the vital moment. The away side threaten on the counter moments later as Paixao collects a through pass from Sobota before curling an effort towards the top corner, but Beto is across to make a fine save. End-to-end football with 84 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-1 Slask (Gameiro)
Sevilla finally have their third as Gameiro rises in the penalty box before thumping a powerful header into the back of the net. It is no more than he deserves for a workmanlike performance this evening. That has made things more comfortable for the Spanish outfit there is no question about that.
Slask have just been unable to cope with the constant pressure in the latter stages. However, they still have hope in the second leg after registering an away goal this evening. That said, if Sevilla can find a fourth in the final couple of minutes then it would make it much harder in Poland.
Sobota takes matters into his own hands for the away side as he strives forward from defence before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Sevilla threaten moments later after good close control from Gameiro inside the box, but Mila manages to scramble clear.
GOAL! Sevilla 4-1 Slask (Marin)
And there is the fourth! Sevilla make it a lot more comfortable in the latter stages as Marin bursts into the box before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting into the back of the net. Slask have utterly fallen apart in the latter stages of this match.
Opportunity for Sevilla to make it five of the best as Bacca meets a corner from Rakitic, but his header is straight into the arms of Gikiewicz, who is not sure what has hit him in the latter stages. We are into the second of two additional minutes in Seville.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 4-1 Slask
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Sevilla securing a 4-1 first-leg lead at the Estadio Ramon. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us this weekend for a host of live commentaries across Europe. Good evening!
