Story so far: Europa League finalists Sevilla
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Article summary
They have won half of their UEFA Europa League games, with Kevin Gameiro accounting for half of their goals; UEFA.com plots Sevilla's path to Basel.
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Story of the season
Having earned a UEFA Champions League place as UEFA Europa League winners, Sevilla finished a respectable third in a group that featured Manchester City, Juventus and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Having accounted for Norway's Molde and final hosts Basel, Sevilla made it past domestic rivals Athletic Club following a nail-biting shoot-out before Shakhtar Donetsk were swept aside to ensure a first ever hat-trick of finals in successive seasons in this competition.
Record this season*: P8 W4 D2 L2 F14 A7
Pivotal moment
Losing their quarter-final second leg tie to Athletic Club 2-1 after 90 minutes, Sevilla had to negotiate extra time knowing an away goal would leave them with a mountain to climb. They managed to take the Basque outfit to penalties where goalkeeper David Soria, who had endured a difficult tie, made the difference; he kept out Athletic's fourth spot kick, take by Beñat Etxebarria, while a perfect set of five from Coke, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Steven N'Zonzi and Kevin Gameiro sent the Andalusian outfit through.
Key player
Following the departure of striker Carlos Bacca for AC Milan last summer, Sevilla had a big hole to fill, but they did not seek a replacement in the transfer market. Instead, Kevin Gameiro was given more responsibility, and Bacca's No9 shirt, and repaid his coach's faith no end. The Frenchman has scored seven in the UEFA Europa League this term, as well as the winning penalty against Athletic.
Unsung hero
Nicknamed 'Le Plombier' (the plumber) and 'Le Bûcheron' (the woodcutter) in France for his willingness to do dirty work, Grzegorz Krychowiak has been a huge physical presence in midfield since joining Sevilla from Reims in 2014. The 26-year-old's work-rate, eye for a pass and strength in the tackle have made him much coveted, and he showed against Athletic that he also takes a mean penalty. Could be a big player for Poland at UEFA EURO 2016.
Number: 4
The number of times Sevilla have won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League, more than any other sides. It is also the number of wins Sevilla have racked up since entering this season's competition in the round of 32 stage – one victory in each of their knockout ties.
Quote
"All the Sevilla fans love this competition. I'll always remember the 4,000 who came with us in 2013 to Estoril just for a group stage game. Obviously the ultimate goal is the Champions League, but the Europa League gives us a pathway to real happiness."
Unai Emery on the Europa League
*UEFA Europa League only