Sevilla welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Estadio Ramon for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Holders Sevilla entered the match as the favourites to advance following a 2-1 success in the first leg last week.
Bilbao levelled the aggregate score at 2-2 in the 57th minute when Aritz Aduriz drilled a low effort into the back of the net, but Kevin Gameiro struck two minutes later to restore Sevilla's lead in the tie.
Bilbao were back ahead in the 80th minute when Raul Garcia headed home, however, which forced extra-time.
Neither side could find another goal in the extra 30 minutes, but it was Sevilla that squeezed through into the semi-finals courtesy of 5-4 penalty success.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Europa League coverage continues from Seville as Sevilla welcome Athletic Bilbao for the second leg of their quarter-final. Sevilla hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg last week and will be looking to continue their wonderful run in this competition. Indeed, Unai Emery's side are incredibly going in search of a third straight Europa League crown this season!
Somewhat surprisingly, before last week's first leg, Bilbao and Sevilla had never met in Europe, but they have clashed on 158 occasions in Spanish football. Sevilla lead the head-to-head record with 64 victories to Bilbao's 63, but Bilbao have actually won eight of their 15 cup ties – losing five times.
The two teams have, of course, also met in the league this season and a double from Kevin Gameiro saw Sevilla record a 2-0 victory at the Estadio Ramon in January. The reverse match at San Mames is scheduled for the last weekend of the campaign and it could be key as both teams battle for a top-five finish in Spain's top flight this term. Right, time for the team news from Seville...
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Soria; Mariano, Rami, Kolo, Escudero; Krychowiak, N'Zonzi; Krohn-Dehli, Iborra, Vitolo; Gameiro
BILBAO: Herrerin; De Marcos, Boveda, Etxeita, Balenziaga; Benat, San Jose; Lekue, Garcia, Susaeta; Aduriz
Sevilla are without the services of Ever Banega tonight through suspension, while left-back Benoit Tremoulinas also misses out for the home side due to a hamstring problem. As a result, Vicente Iborra, who scored Sevilla's second in the first leg, comes into an advanced midfield role and Sergio Escudero starts at left-back. Kevin Gameiro is once again preferred in the final third to former Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, while David Soria continues between the sticks in place of number one Sergio Rico.
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As for Bilbao, Aymeric Laporte remains out of action with a fractured leg, while Sabin Merino and Inaki Williams both miss out for the visitors tonight due to hamstring problems. Inigo Lekue has come into the team in a wide midfield position, while Raul Garcia also returns after missing the first leg through suspension. Iker Muniain misses out, however, leaving Markel Susaeta to skipper the Basque outfit.
The two teams are in and we are now just over 45 minutes from kickoff on this warm evening in Seville. I shall speak about Bilbao a little bit later, but let's start with Sevilla, who are going in search of their fifth UEFA Cup/Europa League crown this season and indeed their third in three seasons.
Not since Bayern Munich in 1976 has a European team won three consecutive editions of a UEFA competition and that record would be equalled if Sevilla lifted their third straight crown this season. As mentioned, they hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg last week after goals from Timothee Kolodziejczak and Vicente Iborra cancelled out an Aritz Aduriz header early in the second period.
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Last week's success was actually Sevilla's first away win of the season in any competition, but they have won their last 11 home games in the Europa League and indeed their last three without conceding a single goal. They have not actually conceded more than once in a home Europa League match since March 2014, when they famously were beaten 2-0 by city rivals Real Betis.
Sevilla overcame Russian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in last season's final to make it back-to-back Europa League crowns and four in total, which is a record. As a result of their 2015 victory, Sevilla advanced into the group stages of this season's Champions League, but they could not escape from Group D. It was a tough ask to qualify ahead of either Manchester City or Juventus and only two wins from their six group matches saw the Spanish side drop into the Europa League once again.
They overcame Norwegian outfit Molde 3-1 on aggregate in the round of 32, before beating Swiss side Basel 3-0 in the last round. They have actually faced Spanish opposition on 17 occasions in Europe and recorded seven wins and suffered seven defeats. That said, they have only lost one of their six on home soil against La Liga opposition. Just a reminder that kickoff is at 8.05pm UK time tonight!
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Despite their first-leg victory last week, Sevilla have actually only one won of their last five in the league and have suffered three consecutive defeats – the last of which came at Valencia on Sunday afternoon. That result saw Emery's side drop to seventh in the table and they are now a massive 12 points off fourth-place Villarreal with six to play. That is a serious amount of ground to make up this late!
That said, the winners of the Europa League this season will automatically qualify for the group stages of the 2016-17 Champions League and Sevilla will be putting all of their focus into this competition once again. There is just something about Sevilla and the Europa League and in truth, it would be a surprise if they did not manage to finish the job at the Estadio Ramon tonight.
Bilbao, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga at the weekend. They have now won three of their last five in the league to move into sixth position, three points above seventh-place Sevilla. Bilbao are just one point off fifth-place Celta Vigo, but nine behind Villarreal and it does seem almost certain that the Yellow Submarine will earn a top-four finish.
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Bilbao have never won this particular competition under the UEFA Cup or the updated Europa League name, but they have reached the final on two previous occasions. They were beaten by Italian giants Juventus in 1977 and also lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid in the 2012 final. This is their first quarter-final appearance since the 2011-12 campaign, however, and if they can overcome the holders Sevilla, Valverde will certainly fancy his team's chances of making the final for a third time.
Bilbao comfortably progressed from Group L to make the knockout round of the competition, collecting 13 points from their six matches to finish four points clear of second-place Augsburg. They faced French outfit Marseille in the round of 32 and ensured their progression with a 2-1 aggregate victory over the Ligue 1 outfit, which included an impressive 1-0 win in France on February 18.
Gary Neville's Valencia side were waiting in the round of 16 and although Bilbao lost the second leg 2-1 at the Mestalla, a 1-0 win on home soil was enough to send the Basque side through on away goals. They would have wanted to avoid facing another La Liga team in the quarter-finals and while they missed Villarreal, who were paired with Sparta Prague, Sevilla were drawn out of the hat.
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Bilbao have a fairly mixed away record in Europe this season – winning three, drawing one and losing three of their seven on the road. They have actually scored at least once in their last 13 UEFA matches, but will need to find at least two at the Estadio Ramon tonight to qualify for the semi-finals.
PREDICTION! I am finding it difficult to go against Sevilla here. Bilbao certainly have the ability to cause the home side problems, but I just cannot see them overturning the 2-1 deficit from the first leg. I am actually going to back Sevilla 2-1 tonight, which would hand them a 4-2 aggregate success.
A reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...
SEVILLA: Soria; Mariano, Rami, Kolo, Escudero; Krychowiak, N'Zonzi; Krohn-Dehli, Iborra, Vitolo; Gameiro
BILBAO: Herrerin; De Marcos, Boveda, Etxeita, Balenziaga; Benat, San Jose; Lekue, Garcia, Susaeta; Aduriz
Los leones se preparan, se acerca el partido 🦁 https://t.co/6EPgnNVZhp #UEL #athlive — Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 14, 2016
KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Time for the football! Bilbao have a lot of work to do tonight, that is for sure. The atmosphere is just sensational inside the stadium as the away side get the first period underway here...
... just a reminder that 2-1 Bilbao after 90 minutes is the only score that would bring extra-time tonight. As expected, it has been a fast start from both teams, who are battling for control of the early possession. You get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial.
Sevilla want an early penalty here as Balenziaga appears to handle a cross from Mariano, but replays show that it was more body then arm and it would have been a very, very harsh call!
All the early pressure is coming from Sevilla as they force two throws deep in the Bilbao half and threaten with a couple of crosses in quick succession. The noise inside this stadium is just stunning as Sevilla continue to put the pressure on. Surely Bilbao cannot afford to concede first tonight.
POST! Oh my word! Wonderful chance for Bilbao as Aduriz rounds Soria before firing towards the bottom corner, but his effort hits the post. Sevilla are very fortunate there!
Bilbao are pressing high up the pitch at the moment and it is forcing Sevilla to concede possession. The hosts started very much on the front foot, but Bilbao have had the best chance thus far here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side this time as Krohn-Dehli picks out Rami with a wonderful pass, but the centre-back's volley flies over the crossbar from close range!
Both teams have had excellent chances inside the opening 12 minutes and it has been a very open and entertaining start to this match. I would be astounded if we did not see goals tonight as both teams continue to commit players in the final third. The atmosphere also remains incredible here!
Both sides have been guilty of losing possession far too easily in the opening 14 minutes, but that is good news for us as it increases the entertainment value! Neither defence looks comfortable.
Good grief. Garcia decides to have a go for Bilbao after finding space outside the Sevilla box, but the ball whistles into the stands. Not sure about that one! Still 0-0 on the night with 16 on the clock.
Half-chance for Sevilla this time as Iborra advances to the edge of the Bilbao box before attempting to pick out the bottom corner, but his low strike was always moving wide of Iago Herrerin's post.
CLOSE! A loose pass from Iborra presents Susaeta with a shooting chance, but the Bilbao attacker's effort just moves wide of the post. Mistakes all over the field at the moment here!
It is all very frantic at the moment as the play continues to flow from end-to-end! Sevilla force a corner after smart work from Mariano, but Krohn-Dehli's delivery is cleared at the near post. The ball is recycled and Krohn-Dehli attempts to deliver again, but he gets it wrong and Bilbao survive.
SAVE! Bilbao stopper Herrerin gets down to keep out a volley from Krohn-Dehli!
An inventive flick from Gameiro almost catches out Herrerin in the Bilbao net, but the stopper makes the save and the away side are quickly on the break. You just cannot take your eyes off this match at the moment as both teams continue to threaten in the final third. What a game in Seville!
Just a reminder that Bilbao need to score at least twice tonight if they are to stay in the competition. Indeed, a goal for Sevilla would not actually change too much, it would just take the tie into extra-time if Bilbao did register two goals. It is a very bitty game at the moment it must be said!
BOOKING! Boveda (Bilbao) is booked for pulling Escudero to the deck.
Krohn-Dehli delivers the resulting free kick and it needs a palm behind from Herrerin!
It is Bilbao's turn to threaten as they pile players into the Sevilla box, but the home side manage to clear their lines and force the ball down-field. The intensity on display here is just incredible.
CHANCE! Super chance for Bilbao as Susaeta sets up Garcia with a clever header, but the attacker volleys over the crossbar from close range. It is somehow still 0-0 tonight!
Super defending from Mariano as the Sevilla right-back gets in ahead of San Jose after Lekue had delivered a wonderful cross into the home side's box. It is difficult to explain just how lively the opening 34 minutes have been. It is all very frantic on the pitch and indeed in the stands!
Just the one yellow card in tonight's match, but we might have seen more due to the number of late challenges that have arrived all over the park. De Marcos has just taken out Krychowiak here!
De Marcos again - this time on Escudero! Lucky man Oscar!
Little over five minutes of this first period remaining and Sevilla still lead 2-1 on aggregate. Both teams have had excellent opportunities to make the breakthrough, but we are still 0-0 on the night.
Valverde, keen to keep this match flowing, retrieves the ball on the sideline and that is an indication of the type of first period it has been. It has been very open and entertaining, but it must be said that both teams have been guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third of the field.
Iborra plays on Boveda's shoulder and looks to break through for Sevilla, but the captain was in an offside position and Bilbao can resume with a free kick. Still no goals in this second leg in Seville.
SAVE! Soria gets down to keep out Garcia, who had robbed Kolo of the ball!
A corner from Escudero causes Bilbao all sorts of problems, but Herrerin just about does enough to palm clear. We are into one minute of added time at the end of the first period in Seville.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0 on the night. Sevilla still hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg last week, however, and Bilbao need to score at least twice in the second 45 minutes to stay in the Europa League. It has been an all-action affair!
STATISTICS! Sevilla have shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had six attempts - two of which were on target. Bilbao, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their six attempts at the Estadio Ramon. Just the one booking - Eneko Boveda for Bilbao in the 28th minute of action.
BENCH WATCH! Sevilla have a number of attacking options on their bench tonight, with the likes of Cristoforo, Konoplyanka and Llorente all available for the home side. Bilbao, meanwhile, have forward-thinking players in the shape of Javier Eraso, Iker Muniain and Borja Viguera.
MATCH PIC!
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RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Bilbao need at least two goals in this half! It is Sevilla that resume this quarter-final second leg...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too surprising. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace at the Estadio Ramon.
Half-chance for Bilbao as De Marcos finds the head of Lekue with a really clever cross, but his effort was always dropping wide of the post. Bit of a let-off for Sevilla there though!
SAVE! Wonderful save from Herrerin to keep out Iborra, who looked certain to fire home after the ball was presented to the midfielder inside the Bilbao box - some stop there!
There will come a point in this second period where Bilbao will have to start throwing five, six players forward and that will leave space for Sevilla to operate. I wonder whether we will see Llorente for Sevilla tonight against his former club. It would be some story if he were to score!
SEVILLA SUB! Konoplyanka replaces Krohn-Dehli for the home side.
Just a reminder that Bilbao need to score twice in this second period. One goal would level the score at 2-2, but Sevilla would still lead on away goals. Good pressure from the visitors as they force a corner after smart work from Garcia, but Sevilla manage to clear their lines once again.
Half-chance for Bilbao, but San Jose heads a Susaeta cross wide of the post from close range.
BILBAO SUB! Muniain replaces Lekue for Bilbao.
Sevilla are being forced deeper and deeper at the moment as Bilbao continue to threaten in the final third. That said, the quality from the away side has not always been the best tonight.
Mariano fires over the crossbar as Sevilla enjoy a break forward.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Bilbao (Aduriz)
Bilbao have their goal! The visitors are ahead on the night in Seville as Aduriz cuts inside his full-back before drilling the ball into the back of the net. Soria should have done better though!
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Bilbao (Gameiro)
Well, that did not last long! Sevilla level the scores in the 59th minute as Krychowiak races away down the right before delivering a low cross into Gameiro, who cannot miss from close range!
BILBAO SUB! Iturraspe replaces Boveda for the away side.
Balenziaga fires wide of the post for Bilbao as this match continues to flow!
Well, one goal for Bilbao now would take this game into extra-time!
Smart block from N'Zonzi as the Frenchman gets his body in the way of a strike from Susaeta, which had some serious power. Bilbao are pressing plenty of players forward at the moment, but they need to be careful as Sevilla continue to threaten on the counter. What a game in Seville!
BOOKING! San Jose (Bilbao) is booked for dissent.
SEVILLA SUB! Cristoforo replaces Iborra for the home side.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match. Bilbao, as expected, are the team pressing forward, but Sevilla have so much pace on the counter attack. Gameiro looks to wriggle free inside the Bilbao box, but Benat just about does enough to stop the Frenchman.
Oh no, oh no for Bilbao. Aduriz is holding his hamstring and needs to come off here!
BILBAO SUB! Viguera replaces Aduriz for Bilbao.
Just a reminder that Bilbao need one goal to force extra-time in this quarter-final. Both managers are on the touchline watching the match unfold and you could cut the tension with a knife here.
BOOKING! Balenziaga (Bilbao) is booked for dissent.
CHANCES! Oh wow! Sevilla have two excellent chances to take the lead! First, Gameiro draws a fine save from Herrerin, before N'Zonzi heads wide of the post from close range!
Couple of super chances for Sevilla to put this tie to bed, but they have not taken them. Bilbao are still very much in this quarter-final as we head for the final 10 minutes of normal time. You just get the feeling that something is waiting to happen here - another goal, a red card. Something!
Gameiro again misses the target after being fed by Vitolo inside the Bilbao box.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-2 Bilbao (Garcia)
Bilbao have done it! We are all square in the tie as Garcia heads a super Benat cross into the back of the net! Not sure about the defending from Sevilla, but we are all level in this quarter-final!
There is time for more goals in this match, make no mistake about it. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time, but it would not be a surprise to see fourth goal in the final 10 minutes here.
Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at the Estadio Ramon and it must be said that it has been some effort from Bilbao, who looked down and out after losing the first leg last week.
BOOKINGS! Rami (Sevilla) and Viguera (Bilbao) are booked following a clash.
Neither side is giving too much away as we head for extra-time at the Estadio Ramon.
Garcia fires wide of the Sevilla post following another spell of pressure.
De Marcos is next to hammer over for Bilbao as we approach extra-time here.
We are into the first of three additional minutes at the end of the 90 here.
It does appear that we are going to have another 30 minutes in this quarter-final as both teams play out the final moments. Neither, as expected, wants to commit too much forward at this moment.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Sevilla 1-2 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee blows for the end of 90 minutes and we will head for extra-time. It has been a wonderful game of football in Seville and I cannot wait for more...
... are we heading for penalties? Goals in extra-time are actually pretty rare!
We are just about ready to get extra-time underway in Seville.
RESTART! Sevilla get the extra-time period underway here...
... Sevilla still have one permitted substitute available, but Bilbao have used all three. That might be crucial as the clock ticks on here. I just have a feeling that we are heading for penalties tonight.
Susaeta breaks through for Bilbao and pulls the trigger, but the attacker was offside.
BOOKING! Muniain (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Mariano.
Better from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes as they manage to ease the pressure on their defence and indeed threaten with a couple of corners. Bilbao clear with relative ease though.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for Bilbao to score a third as Susaeta goes through one-on-one with Soria, but the attacker just lifts his effort wide of the post. Some chance there!
BOOKING! Iraizoz (Bilbao) is not on the pitch, but he has just been booked for saying too much to the referee! Bizarre when that happens, but it has just occurred.
SEVILLA SUB! Coke replaces Mariano in Sevilla's final change.
POST AND OFF-THE-LINE! Incredible! Konoplyanka's free kick has just hit the post for Sevilla, before San Jose somehow cleared a Coke effort off the line. What scenes here!
BOOKING! De Marcos (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Konoplyanka.
This first half of extra-time has been very lively indeed. Bilbao started the better, but it is Sevilla really threatening as we approach the interval. Are we heading for penalties in this quarter-final?
Both teams have put so much into this match, but both seem to have a lot left in the tank!
The handbags are out here!
Viguera fells Krychowiak and it brings a furious reaction from the Sevilla players.
BOOKINGS! Etxeita (Bilbao) and N'Zonzi (Sevilla) are both booked.
SAVE! Herrerin keeps out a free kick from Konoplyanka.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Sevilla 1-2 Bilbao
RESTART! Back underway in extra-time here...
... one place remains in tomorrow morning's semi-final draw. Sevilla or Bilbao?
Sevilla have a penalty shout as Vitolo goes down inside the box under pressure from Balenziaga, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh for me, correct call!
Little over 10 minutes of extra-time remaining here. Are we going to have a winning goal? I thought that the tempo would drop due to the intensity of the whole match, but that is just not the case.
Konoplyanka just cannot stretch his legs to run on to a pass from Escudero and Bilbao have a goal kick with little over seven minutes of time left here. A goal at this stage would surely win it!
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but it is Bilbao currently on the front foot. Who has the better penalty takers? For me, I would be siding with Bilbao.
BOOKING! Coke (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Iturraspe.
Viguera strikes straight at Soria and the Sevilla stopper makes the save.
BOOKING! Konoplyanka (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Muniain.
Whistles from the home supporters as Bilbao dominate the ball late on here.
Gameiro has just pulled up with a hamstring problem!
Garcia strikes straight at Soria and the Sevilla stopper makes the save. Gamiero, meanwhile, has hit the deck and does not look comfortable. Will he be able to take a penalty in the shootout?
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 1-2 Bilbao (Sevilla 3-3 Bilbao)
WE GO TO PENALTIES!
It has been a long night in Seville and we are not finished. Shootout to come!
We are just about ready here. It is almost silent inside the stadium! The tension!
Bilbao will take the first spot kick here.
GOAL! Garcia sends Bilbao into a 1-0 lead from the spot.
GOAL! Coke answers straight back for Sevilla. Some pen that!
GOAL! Viguera holds his nerve to send Bilbao 2-1 ahead.
GOAL! Krychowiak nets and we are 2-2 in the shootout.
GOAL! San Jose picks out the corner of the net for 3-2 Bilbao.
GOAL! Konoplyanka rolls the ball home for 3-3.
SAVE! Soria keeps out Benat! Wow!
GOAL! N'Zonzi puts Sevilla into a massive lead here!
GOAL! Super penalty for Susaeta to keep Bilbao alive.
It is kicking off in the centre circle here!
De Marcos went to upset the next penalty taker and Sevilla were not pleased!
GOAL! Gameiro finds the top corner to send Sevilla though!
SEVILLA WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES!
So there we have it. Gameiro finds the back of the net to send Sevilla through 5-4 on penalties after the two teams had played out a 3-3 draw on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Wonderful game of football from Seville. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
