Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk set up a meeting with Sevilla in the final of the Europa League this evening courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Napoli in the second leg of their last-four clash.
The Ukrainian side went into the match leading on away goals following the 1-1 draw in the first leg, but they moved into an outright lead when Yevhen Seleznyov nodded home just before the hour.
Napoli pushed for an equaliser that would take the match into extra time, but it was Dnipro who came closest to adding to the scores when Matheus looped a late header against the crossbar.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether the hosts deserved to reach a first European final in their history.
Match statistics
DNIPRO
Shots: 10
On target: 7
Possession: 37%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 20
NAPOLI
Shots: 19
On target: 6
Possession: 63%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 16
Was the result fair?
The statistics suggest that this was another smash-and-grab job by Dnipro, who somehow came away with a 1-1 draw in the first leg despite being second best for the vast majority of it. This was a much more even affair, however, with Dnipro showing plenty of attacking intent to go with the defensive solidity which has been a hallmark of their play throughout the season. Napoli enjoyed the vast majority of possession, but the hosts were happy to allow that as they protected their lead.
Rafael Benitez's side were rarely able to do anything with their possession anyway, particularly in the second half. The visitors were well on top for long spells, but failed to conjure up a really good chance after the break, while Dnipro had a flurry of late openings that could have made this one look even more comfortable. It was a different story in the first half, with Denis Boyko being forced into a couple of smart saves to keep his side level, but Dnipro were certainly more competitive in this match than they were a week ago.
Napoli probably did deserve something out of tonight's match, however, and defeat will be hard to swallow for the Italian outfit. Over the two legs there is no doubt that they should have progressed through to the final, with Gonzalo Higuain missing a host of chances in Naples and a few more tonight. Dnipro battled their way to the 2-1 aggregate victory, however, and while they are somewhat fortunate to be in the final, they can now look forward to a historic trip to Warsaw.
Dnipro's performance
Myron Markevych promised that his side would show 'the real Dnipro' tonight, and it was certainly a much improved performance from the first leg. In truth, they should have been dead and buried after that match, somehow surviving a number of Napoli chances before grabbing a crucial late away goal from an offside position. Having been dealt that stroke of luck, though, they seemed determined to capitalise on it and started this evening's match brightly.
The majority of the chances in the first half still fell the way of Napoli, but Dnipro posed a regular threat themselves - something that could not be said about the first leg. Defensively they were as solid as ever, particularly after the break. They looked to be keeping the Europa League's highest scorers contained with relative ease in the second half and clear-cut Napoli chances were few and far between.
It is remarkable that they had even made it this far having picked up just one point and failed to score in their opening three group games. They may not be the most exciting team around, and football purists would have preferred a Napoli vs. Sevilla final, but Dnipro have worked their socks off to reach a first European showpiece. They will once again be underdogs against Sevilla, but that is a role they have relished so far and they will be quietly confident of lifting the trophy on May 27.
Napoli's performance
Napoli were the favourites to lift the trophy before the semi-finals got underway, and had they taken even half of their chances then they would still be favourites. Their lack of a killer touch in the final third was alarming a week ago and, while it was not quite as bad this evening, it still had a major impact on the match. Higuain was the main culprit once again, missing one glorious chance in the first half with only the keeper to beat.
Just as in the first leg, Napoli had the chances to win this game tonight, although they weren't able to create too much in the second half. Dries Mertens was their brightest spark after coming on as a sub, but he was mostly limited to long-range efforts as Benitez's side failed to find a way through Dnipro's stubborn defence. They seemed short of ideas as the match wore on and overall there was a noticeable lack of quality in the final third from the Italian side.
The goal was a disappointing one for them to concede, and they could have been stung again late on. Dnipro had three chances in quick succession on the break before hitting the crossbar, while at the other end Napoli offered little in the closing stages. It will be a hard one to take for Napoli as, over the two legs, they should have cruised into the final.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Yevhen Konoplyanka: Virtually anonymous in the first leg, but Dnipro's increased attacking intent gave him more chances to shine tonight. He particularly came into the game in the second half, making a number of bright runs down the left, including one that provided the assist for the only goal of the game.
Biggest gaffe
Higuain lost the duel against Boyko last week, and it was the same again tonight. Napoli's best chance of the match came after just eight minutes as Gokhan Inler slid a pass through for the striker, who found himself clean through on goal. Perhaps put off by his misses last week, he went for power instead of placing it, and Boyko was able to make a fine save. Higuain really should have buried it, though.
Referee performance
Milorad Mazic showed no fewer than nine yellow cards this evening in a largely scrappy affair. The referee could have perhaps done more to help the rhythm of the game by not going to his pocket so often.
What next?
Dnipro: Dnipro have a big week ahead of them, facing leagueleaders Dynamo Kiev on Sunday before the return leg of their cup semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Napoli: Napoli, meanwhile, host Cesena on Monday with their hopes of Champions League football now relying on them overhauling a three-point deficit in the final three games of the season.
Barney Corkhill
