Super substitutes save Sevilla

Sevilla FC earned a hard fought 2-1 win over FC Zenit in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter final tie with the Russians. The reigning champions turned the game on its head in the second period after the Russians had broken the deadlock in the 29th minute.

The hispalenses began the match with a high tempo and a few minutes into the game José Antonio Reyes created a couple of dangerous opportunities. But as the minutes passed the Russian side slowly grew into the game, entering Sergio Ricos area with greater frequency. In the 29th minute the visitors found a way through thanks to Aleksandr Ryazantsev, who followed up his initial shot on the rebound to put his side in front.

Sevilla came out stronger in the second half in search of a goal to level the tie. The hosts coach Unai Emery changed things up by bringing on Stéphane M'Bia. The Cameroon midfielder came close to equalising in the 70th minute but couldn't reach the ball. However, the goal Sevilla craved arrived just two minutes later as Carlos Bacca, who had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes, finished off a pass from Aleix Vidal. Not long after, youngster Denis Suárez completed the comeback with a sumptuous volley.