Good results for Sevilla and Villarreal in the Europa League

Spain's two Europa League representatives, Sevilla FC and Villarreal CF, both achieved positive results in their group stage matches. While the Andalusians drew away to HNK Rijeka, Villarreal downed Apollon Limassol FC 4-0.

The reigning champions started by creating a lot of danger for the Croatian side, and they got their reward after 26 minutes, Iago Aspas scoring with his left foot after neat control in the area. A Timothée Kolodziejczak foul which resulted in a penalty and red card made life difficult for the visitors, especially as Andrej Kramarić levelled things up for the home side from the subsequent spot kick. Despite Zoran Kvržić scoring Rijeka’s second shortly after, Sevilla were able to salvage a point at the death thanks to Stéphane M'Bia. The draw keeps Sevilla at the top of Group G with four points.

Villarreal also got off to a great start, taking the lead after nine minutes thanks to a Gerard Moreno effort. Before the break, Javier Espinosa made it 2-0 with a subtle finish over the keeper. It was Espinosa who made it 3-0 just after the restart, while Gerard Moreno also bagged his second of the night to make it 4-0 after 82 minutes. Villarreal also lead Group A with four points.