Sevilla aim to reach their fourth UEFA Europa League final

If there is a side who specialises in the UEFA Europa League, then it is without doubt Sevilla FC. The Andalusian side, who are defending the title, face ACF Fiorentina in a really exciting semi-final game where the sole aim of both sides is to reach the final.

So, Sevilla will look to give everything from the outset. The first leg will take place at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium and will be a key match if Unai Emery’s men want to follow their unstoppable path all the way to Warsaw. The side from Nervión, who lost for the first time at home in La Liga this season against Madrid last Saturday after 34 games unbeaten in all competitions, have not been beaten at home in eight games in this tournament, six this season. The Andalusian side have not been defeated at home, since the round of 16 last year that ended with their opponents, who happen to be their neighbours Real Betis, winning 0-2.

Sevilla have an unbeaten run of eight games in the competition

All things considered, although Sevilla saw their unbeaten home run come to an end, on this occasion, Emery’s men must break one of their side’s bad records. Sevilla will be aiming to improve their club history and get their first win against an Italian side as, at the moment, the team playing the first game at home, have one draw and three defeats against Italian sides. In fact, Fiorentina are not any better in that respect. Vicenzo Montella’s side have never won in Spain, a statistic that Sevilla will hope to keep intact.

Various reunions in Seville

Sevilla will be aiming to get a good result ahead of the return leg, and of course, as they attempt to win a place in the final of the UEFA Europa League. No Italian side has won the competition since 1998-1999, when Parma FC were crowned champions. Fiorentina will be very worthy opponents for Emery’s side, as they have been unbeaten on the road in twelve games, notching up eight wins and four draws. They also have the best pass completion rate, 88% and the Tuscan side have won four of the six semi-finals they have played in.

No Italian side has won the UEFA Europa League since 1999

Also, this will be a game of reunions for players from both sides. Joaquín Sánchez, one of the idols of Real Betis to emerge in the last few years, returns to the Sánchez-Pizjuán to take on the side who were his main rivals for a long time. Emery, the Sevilla coach, also coincided with the player from Cadiz during his time at Valencia CF. Giuseppe Rossi, Marcos Alonso and Khouma Babacar also all have experience of the Liga BBVA. So, Sevilla face their first litmus test and they will just be thinking about winning their fourth UEFA Europa League title.