Sevilla win derby as last-four rivals stumble
Sunday, April 24, 2016
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UEFA Europa League holders Sevilla were the odd team out at the weekend as they clinched a derby win against Real Betis, while their fellow semi-finalists all drew.
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It proved a frustrating weekend for three of the four UEFA Europa League semi-finalists as draws dominated ahead of Thursday's first legs. Only holders Sevilla managed to post a domestic win – and it was a notable one too, Unai Emery's men downing city neighbours Real Betis.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Sevilla
Saturday: Chornomorets Odesa 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk (Kalitvintsev 56; Bernard 10)
- Shakhtar remain unbeaten in seven games but were unable to build on Bernard's sweetly struck free-kick against Chornomorets. Vladyslav Kalytvyntsev, on loan from Shakhtar's biggest rivals Dynamo Kyiv, equalised with a cross that eluded Andriy Pyatov –and that allowed Dynamo to clinch the title on Sunday.
Sunday: Sevilla 2-0 Betis (Gameiro 67, Coke 80)
- Sevilla saw off derby rivals Betis for the third time this season to end a run of five Liga matches without victory. Goalkeeper Sergio Rico came to the home side's rescue early in the second half before Kevin Gameiro headed in the opener and Coke wrapped up the points.
Sunday: Villarreal 0-0 Real Sociedad
- The Yellow Submarine warmed up for their meeting with Liverpool by being held to a frustrating goalless stalemate at home, leaving them without a Liga win in three outings. Midfielder Bruno Soriano went closest with a free-kick that struck the crossbar.
Saturday: Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle (Sturridge 2, Lallana 30; Cissé 48, Colback 66)
- Ex-Reds coach Rafael Benítez frustrated Liverpool on his return to Anfield; Daniel Sturridge put the home side in front after just 76 seconds, and they were cruising when Adam Lallana curled in their second, but struggling Newcastle rallied after Simon Mignolet missed a cross to allow Papiss Cissé to score.
