The yellow submarine stays afloat – Europa League Roundup
The Europa League is down to just four teams. Defending champions Sevilla travelled away to Shakhtar Donetsk tonight while Liverpool faced a tricky tie away to Villarreal.
Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool
Liverpool toppled the Yellow Wall of Borussia Dortmund last time out and looked to sink the Yellow Submarine tonight. The sides played out a tight and tense affair with both sides having half chances in the opening 45 minutes. Simon Mingolet was forced into action on a few occasions tonight in both halves. Liverpool seemed comfortable to take a 0-0 draw from tonight’s fixture and it looked almost certain until the 92nd minute. A lofted ball found youngster Denis Suárez who made his way into the box before squaring it to substitute striker Adrian Lopez who fired the home side ahead. Liverpool have a tough task next week at Anfield but this tie is far from over.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Sevilla
Ukranian giants Shakhtar Donetsk welcomed reigning champions Sevilla tonight in a goal filled encounter. The visitors got off to a dream start when Vitolo found the back of the net with six minutes played. However the home side found their feet and equalised through Brazilian Marlos after 23 minutes. With the fans behind them Shakhtar soon took the lead Stepanenko with the goal ten minutes from halftime. Sevilla struggled to find a leveller in the second half but eight minutes from time Kevin Gamero stepped up to the plate under pressure to fire home a penalty for the Spanish side. Two vital away goals for Sevilla who are in a great position ahead on next week’s home leg.
