LOOKING TO OVERCOME THE FIRST HURDLE

This evening in Zagreb, Sevilla FC are looking to overcome the first hurdle of their UEFA Europa League campaign. After winning 3-1 against Dinamo last Thursday, Julen Lopetegui's side are out to finish the job off against the Croatian champions at Stadion Maksimir, where Sevilla won in the Champions League six years ago, when Jorge Sampaoli was at the helm. It should be remembered that Orsic's goal for the Croats in the first leg does not count as an away goal, as the rule has been scrapped from this season onwards. 

Anthony Martial and Karim Rekik miss out due to injury, but Lopetegui can finally count on the services of both Montiel, who has now recovered, and Joan Jordán, who was suspended for the first leg. The coach is fully aware of just how dangerous Dinamo are, a well-established side in Europe. In fact, they knocked out Tottenham in the Round of 16 last year, overturning a 2-0 defeat in London to progress. Although a 1-0 defeat would see Sevilla through, they are looking for a first European away win, after drawing at Wolfsburg and Lille, and losing in Salzburg. 

There will be more than 10,000 fans at Maksimir

As for the hosts, coach Zeljko Kopic gave a statement of intent in yesterday's pre-match press conference, confirming that they will go for the two goals that they need to level the tie. However, they do have key players absent, such as their captain, Adrijan Ademi, and midfielder Luka Ivanusec, who the coach described as "crucial". Defenders Dino Peric and Rasmus Lauritsen also miss out, as does striker Komnen Andric. Dinamo are league leaders, but a draw against Lokomotiv on Sunday means that both Osijek and Hajduk Split trail by three points or less. 

Due to capacity restrictions because of COVID, as well as the closure of a stand due to damage, over 10,000 fans will be present at Maksimir, a stadium that holds 40,000. Young French referee François Letexier will officiate tonight's match. He has taken charge of European matches since 2017/18 and has never crossed paths with the Sevilla first team, but, strangely enough, refereed a 4-0 defeat for the youth side against Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League in 2017. A year later, he refereed a 2-2 draw for Dinamo in Champions League qualifying against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.