Sevilla will take a huge advantage to Mestalla after they beat Valencia 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this evening.

The opening period of the all-La Liga clash was played largely at a frenetic pace, and it was the home side who took the lead on 32 minutes when Stephane Mbia turned home Daniel Carrico's cross.

Los Che were incensed that the goal stood after replays showed the midfielder was in an offside position when he scored.

Three minutes later, Sevilla doubled their lead and it was Carlos Bacca who extended the advantage for Unai Emery's team.

The Colombian ventured on a strong run before hammering an effort into the bottom corner.

© Getty Images

There was a glut of chances early on in the second half, the first from Jeremy Mathieu's free kick, but the best of them was spurned by Federico Fazio.

The Sevilla defender found himself unmarked from Ivan Rakitic's free kick, but he could only head straight at Vicente Guaita in the Valencia goal.

Eduardo Vargas then went close for Los Che on 69 minutes, before Kevin Gameiro had a penalty shout turned away late on.

Valencia thought that they had salvaged what would have been an important away goal, but Vargas struck the crossbar with his header.