Sevilla stun Manchester United to reach quarter-finals
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Article summary
Wissam Ben Yedder scored twice in quick succession to earn Sevilla a famous win against Manchester United and a place in the quarter-finals.
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Sevilla are through to only their second ever European Cup quarter-final after a 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The tie remained goalless until deep into the second half of the second leg, Wissam Ben Yedder breaking the deadlock with a precise finish just two minutes after coming off the bench. The Sevilla substitute then squeezed a header past David de Gea and under the crossbar moments later to leave United with too much to do.
Though Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for the hosts to prompt a brief flurry of pressure, it was too late. De Gea denied Ben Yedder a hat-trick when clean through in added time but it did little to dampen Sevilla's celebrations. They'd waited 60 years for this.
Key player: Wissam Ben Yedder (Sevilla)
Ben Yedder will take the plaudits for his goals, but equally deserves credit for his attitude. Relegated to the bench, he has reacted superbly and really proved his worth tonight. What a dilemma for Vincenzo Montella now for the next round – can he overlook Ben Yedder again after this?
Reporter talking points
Graham Hunter, Sevilla: What a way to do it. There were heroes aplenty tonight, not just Ben Yedder – Sergio Rico made several saves, Joaquín Correa darted about all night and Steven N'Zonzi really excelled. As predicted in the Spanish press this morning, this is a tale of glory which will be handed down for generations in Andalusia.
Simon Hart, Manchester United: This was a disappointing exit for United, who lacked urgency for much of the match and left Lukaku isolated for long spells. They went into this tie as favourites but can have no complaints after failing to seize the initiative – indeed arguably their best player was defender Eric Bailly, which underlines the balance of power out on the Old Trafford pitch tonight.
Key stats
- Sevilla's only previous quarter-final, in 1958, ended in a 10-2 defeat by Real Madrid
- Ben Yedder has now scored eight goals in seven #UCL games this term
- This was United's first home loss in Europe since Sir Alex Ferguson's last #UCL fixture
- United have not failed to score in both legs of a European tie since the 2004/05 last 16