Sevilla 2-1 Manchester United: Switch Play, Then Vertical

Europa League, Semi Finals

Sevilla 433; Bono; Jesus Navas, Koundé, Carlos, Reguilón; Jordán (87. Gudelj), Fernando, Banega; Suso (75. Vazquez), En-Nesyri (56. de Jong), Ocampos (56. Haddadi); Coach: Lopetegui

Manchester United 4231; De Gea; Wan-Bissaka (87. James), Lindelöf, Maguire, Williams (87. Fosu-Mensah); Pogba, Fred; Greenwood (90+2. Ighalo), Fernandes, Rashford (87. Mata); Martial; Coach: Solskjaer

0-1 Fernandes (9., pen), 1-1 Suso (26.), 2-1 de Jong (78.)

  

 

The English side created more chances, but was not able to score from game play. Whereas their Spanish opponents only needed three shots on target to score twice. Both Sevilla goals resulted from the very same pattern: In possesion, Sevilla positioned wide, quickly switched the play to the other side and went vertical.

 

In 27th minute, Banega exploits the gap between Greenwood and Fernandes. Over their CB Sevilla switches the play to their left wing.

 

 

Manchester's FB Wan-Bissaka and CB Lindelöf, both lose their tackles against Reguilón and Ocampos, and results in a 2vs2 in the center. Finally, Reguilón is faster than Wan-Bissaka, crosses the ball to Suso, who is released in Williams' back and scores the equaliser.

 

 

Similar situation at Sevilla's second goal that night: Lopetegui's side quickly switches the play to the outnumbering right wing.

 

 

While de Jong holds the attacking center and binds Lindelöf and Wan-Bissaka, Banega goes wide and pulls Fred from the center. Pogba transists too slow, so LW Vazquez gets between the lines. In the end, Williams hesitates to tackle Jesus Navas, who perfectly chips the ball to de Jong, who reacts faster than Wan-Bissaka.