They had to win and Sevilla FC did just that this Wednesday in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The first 78 minutes saw the home side dominate, successfully avoiding the same counters that did such damage in the away fixture. Lenglet and Banega put Sevilla ahead, but 12 minutes from time, the finish became all too tense with a goal from Zé Luís. With so much to play for and with the Russian pressing harder than ever, Sevilla needed to pull there socks up to see out the result, and did just that with a Sánchez-Pizjuán filled to the brim with Sevillistas. With the win the Nervionenses return to the qualification spots for the knock-out stages.
Carrera didn't hide his hand and nor did Berizzo, who had his side pressing high up the field from the very first minute. Sevilla's two attacking midfielders, accompanied by Ben Yedder, looked to steal the ball from Spartak high, who were unable to find any space behind Lenglet and Kjaer. A Banega shot that went just wide gave Sevilla a chance to take a very early lead on two minutes and Nolito followed it up with a shot which stung the fists of Selikhov. Fifty-fifties went the way of the home side who looked far more dangerous, despite lacking clinical connections with front-men. The break-through had to eventually come from a set-piece. Banega's floated corner from the right-hand side was met by a powerful header from Lenglet to the near post. Selikhov couldn't keep it out and job number one was done.
Despite tight marking, Lenglet headed Banega's floated corner home
After a period of frantic attacking, Sevilla saw their Russian opponents enter into a period of more possession - the Russians growing into the game before the break but failing to create clear chances for an equaliser. Their best effort came in the form of a direct free-kick, which drew a stunning save from Sergio Rico to send it behind for a corner. Sevilla were grateful for half-time in an intense first 45 minutes which saw the Nervión stands play an important part, too.