Manchester United 2-2 Sevilla FC: Utd concede two late own goals as La Liga side salvage unlikely draw
Sevilla scored twice late on to salvage a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils started brightly and took the lead on 14 minutes when Marcel Sabitzer’s deflected shot rounded off a well-worked team move.
Sabitzer grabbed a second seven minutes later after being put through by Anthony Martial, who had also played an important role in the build-up to the opener.
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Antony rattled a post as United searched for a third after the break, and they were punished when Sevilla pulled a goal back late on after a Jesus Navas cross was deflected into the goal by a combination of Tyrell Malacia and David de Gea. The own goal would be given to Malacia.
And then, in injury time, Harry Maguire turned a Youssef En-Nesyri header past De Gea as Sevilla emerged from Old Trafford with an unlikely draw.
There was further bad news for Erik ten Hag, who was taking charge of his 50th game as United manager, as Bruno Fernandes picked up a yellow card which would rule him out of the second leg, plus Raphael Varane being taken off as an injury precaution and Lisandro Martinez also leaving the field late on injured.
TALKING POINT – There is something about Sevilla and the Europa League
United will be wondering how they let a two-goal lead slip, and certainly Ten Hag’s substitutions deserve scrutiny as they undercut the attacking threat which had pinned Sevilla back in their own half. But Sevilla deserve some credit for hanging in when things were tough and not capitulating under the pressure, then making the most of their time in the ascendancy.
With the score level heading back to what will be a rocking Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, and The Red Devils potentially facing an injury crisis in defence, you have too feel it is advantage Sevilla.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Martial’s movement was excellent and created the space for Sabitzer to exploit on the first goal – plus Martial’s quick feet helped kickstart that move. Then for the second, Martial played a killer pass after impressive hold-up play bought his team-mates time to get forward. It is no coincidence that Martial’s departure coincided with the hosts losing control of the match.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United: De Gea 7, Wan-Bissaka 6, Varane 6, Martinez 6, Malacia 5, Casemiro 6, Sabitzer 8, Antony 8, Fernandes 6, Sancho 4, Martial 8. Subs: Maguire 5, Eriksen 5, Weghorst 4, Elanga 4, Pellisitri 5.
Sevilla: Bono 6, Montiel 6, Nianzou 7, Marcao 6, Acuna 5, Fernando 5, Gudelj 5, Rakitic 4, Ocampos 5, Torres 4, Lamela 4. Subs: Navas 7, Suso 6, En-Nesyri 7, Gomez n/a.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
SABITZER GIVES UNITED LEAD 14′ – Sabitzer finishes off a crisp team move to give the hosts the lead! It all comes after Martial drops deep and shows off some smart footwork, and with the striker out of position Sabitzer advances. Fernandes finds Sabitzer with a defence-splitting pass and his shot is deflected over Bono into the net.
SABITZER SCORES AGAIN 21′ – United launch a counter-attack, Martial holds up the ball again and then releases Sabitzer, who times his run to perfection before firing past Bono.
SEVILLA ALMOST SCORE FROM CORNER 45+3′ – Nianzou wins a header at the near post and produces a reflex save from De Gea, then Varane has to clear off the line.
ANTONY WHACKS POST 61′ – Antony almost adds a third after squaring up Marcao and getting past the big defender, but his shot comes back off a post.
SEVILLA GET ONE BACK 84′ – Navas has time to cross, it’s deflected off Malacia and then De Gea before ending up in the net.
MARTINEZ INJURED 86′ – Martinez has tweaked his ankle and cannot continue. Acuna and Montiel carry him off the pitch in a nice gesture, but this is troublesome for the hosts who have made all their substitutions.
SEVILLA SCORE A SECOND 90+3′ – United can’t clear the ball after a couple of Sevilla corners and En-Neysri rises highest from the next cross. His header is headed wide, but bounces in off Maguire. An extraordinary turnaround.
KEY STAT
Sevilla have never lost against Manchester United in four European meetings.
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