Playing at home, the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Sevilla dominated over Dinamo Zagreb in their Europa League’s play-off, first leg, on Thursday. So, after already going up three-to-one in the first half in Europa League football results, Sevilla beat Zagreb 3-1. Second half was just all about the hosts maintaining this lead of two goals.
Goals from Rakitić, Ocampos and Martial were enough to overcome Dinamo Zagreb, who briefly levelled affairs just before the break. However, Sevilla then conclusively broke Croatian hearts as a quick two-goal flurry made them go into the break 3-1 up.
The team attacked less in the second half and Bono executed a stunning double save to maintain the two-goal advantage.
So, Sevilla returned happily to the Europa League but the return leg is away, at the Stadion Maksimir next Thursday.
Europa League Football Results – Sevilla Beat Zagreb 3-1 (Second Half)
The second half started poorly with Rekik’s upsetting injury, who pulled up after a sprint. Gudelj had to substitute for him at exactly the fiftieth minute mark.
And with Sevilla staying resolute, Bono also played his part by pulling off the double save of the night. He first blocked the header from Petkovic and then the follow up from Juric, as the crowd cheered.
Lopetegui refreshed the team with the arrivals of Óliver, Delaney and En-Nesyri, which helped Sevilla to dominate.
Meanwhile, visitors Dinamo tried to find something in response. It was Ocampos who had a run but Livakovic ran back to stop him.
From then on Sevilla didn’t create too much in a game in which both sides played the second half cautiously. Also, there was time for a great welcome as Jesús Navas came on for Ocampos in the final few minutes.
Sevilla 3 – 1 Dinamo Zagreb
Sevilla FC: Bono, Koundé, Rekik (Gudelj, 50′), Diego Carlos, Acuña, Fernando (Óliver Torres, 61′), Papu Gómez, Rakitic, Ocampos (Jesús Navas, 84′), Munir (Delaney, 61′) and Martial (En-Nesyri, 61′).
GNK Dinamo Zagreb: Livakovic, Théophile-Catherine (Lauritsen, 46′), Sutalo, Franjic, Gojak, Ademi, Ristovski (Moharrami, 76′), Bockaj (Stefulj, 70′), Juric (Emreli, 57′), Orsic and Petkovic (Spikic, 76′).
Goals: 1-0, 13′: Rakitic pen.; 1-1, 41′: Orsic; 2-1, 44′: Ocampos; 3-1, 45+1′: Martial.
Referee: Marco Guida. Yellows for Livakovic, Petkovic, Ristovski and Acuña.
