Previews
WED 13.04.2016
Both Sevilla FC and Villarreal CF came out on top in the first legs of their Europa League ties. However, both sides emerged victorious by just one goal, meaning that there's sure to be plenty of excitement and tension in their second-leg clashes. A split-second loss of concentration, a last-gasp goal or a slice of luck may ultimately prove pivotal in deciding the outcome of the ties. All is in place at the Sanchez Pizjuan and Prague's Generali Arena for what are set to be two entertaining quarter-final showdowns.
Sevilla and Athletic Club go head-to-head in the all-Spanish tie. The Andalusians really couldn't have picked a much better time to have delivered their first away win of the season in the first-leg clash. A sublime Aritz Aduriz header put the hosts in front on 47 minutes, but subsequent strikes from Timothee Kolodziejczak and Vicente Iborra turned the game in the Sevillians' favour, as the visitors went on to claim a 2-1 win. The Basques head to Seville knowing that they must score at least twice to be in with any chance of progressing to the semi-finals. As for Sevilla, even if they were to lose by the odd goal, they would still take their place in the draw for the last four.
In the other tie with Spanish involvement, Villarreal will be looking to hold on to a first-leg advantage which was handed to them courtesy of the goalscoring exploits of Cedric Bakambu. The Congolese striker was on target in the 3rd and 63rd minutes to net both of his side's goals. With the hosts leading 1-0, Sparta Prague drew themselves level through Jakub Brabec, but Bakambu struck back to put his side into the driving seat ahead of the second leg. A draw or victory by a one-goal margin would be enough to take Marcelino's troops into the Europa League semi-finals, which would represent a fantastic achievement in what has been an excellent season for the Yellow Submarine.
© LALIGA - 2016