1-2: SEVILLA FC QUALIFY FOR THE KNOCKOUT ROUNDS IN RUSSIA AND WILL CONTEST FIRST SPOT WITH CHELSEA

24/11/2020

Munir scored the winner in the last minute of injury time after Wanderson had made it 1-1, canceling out Rakitić's opener

Sevilla FC have qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, and have done so with two matchdays to go, with the team now going head-to-head against Chelsea FC for first place in the group. The team qualified after tonight's win away to FC Krasnodar in a match which saw Sevilla dominate the first half, but become overrun by the Russians in the second 45 minutes. Julen Lopetegui's subs helped the team regain their rhythm and, in the last minute, Munir sealed the victory, only the second in ten visits to Russia.

Sevilla FC controlled the first half, scoring an early opener and barely allowing the Russian side any chances to get back into the game. Rakitić scored the first goal with a superb volley from outside the box after Ocampos' cross following a great run down the right wing had been headed away. The Croatian struck the ball right into the bottom corner, well out of Gorodov's reach, and put Sevilla in front. The team continued to dominate the game, with the three centre-backs allowing Ocampos and Escudero free reign down their respective wings.

Koundé, Munir, and Gudelj had chances to increase Sevilla's lead following Rakitić's goal, while Cabella had Krasnodar's only shot

Sevilla had a clear opportunity to go two ahead after a marauding run from Ocampos created space for Koundé down the right; however, the Frenchman's shot was too weak and was straight at Krasnodar's goalkeeper. Munir also had a shot from outside the box a few minutes later before Gudelj sent a shot just wide after a free-kick from Óscar. Shortly before the break, Sevilla lost possession in the midfield which allowed Cabella a shot on goal, however it ended up being easier than expected for Vaclík to save.

However, in stark contrast to the first half, the start of the second half could not have went any worse for the team. Claesson had a chance immediately from kick-off, running into the box and shooting tamely at Vaclík. Immediately after, Koundé would save the team after clearing Cabella's shot off the line after the Frenchman had robbed Gudelj on the edge of the box and rounded Vaclík. Sevilla managed to react and Munir's run led to De Jong having a chance which he put over the bar. The Krasnodar siege would continue however and eventually had its reward. Wanderson, coming on at half time, made the most of a Krasnodar counterattack and managed to fire beyond Vaclík.

Sevilla managed to withstand the Russian siege and got back in control of the game, scoring the winner right at the death

With Krasnodar back in the game, the match turned into a mad back-and-forth, exacerbated further by the introduction of players such as Ari, Idrissi and En-Nesyri. Munir remained influential and continued getting shots off on the Russian goal, but to no great effect. Sevilla began to regain some control over the match, but Krasnodar were always a threat on the break, looking for their second goal. Idrissi, after a good attack from Sevilla, forced Gorodov into a great save, sending it for a corner with his shoulder.

Chelsea FC put themselves ahead against Stade Rennais at the start of injury time, meaning that Sevilla were mathematically through to the last-16. But that wasn't enough for this team. They took control of the game, neutralised Krasnodar and went for the win. And they got it. In the last minute of injury time, Munir got his reward for his performance, rifling the ball into the back of the net with his right foot, securing the three points for the Nervionenses. The win also keeps Sevilla level on points with Chelsea ahead of the London side's visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán next week to see who will finish first in Group E. Before that however, the team must travel to Huesca, looking for their fifth consecutive win.

GAME SUMMARY

1. FC KRASNODAR: Gorodov, Smolnikov, Martynovich, Kaio, Ramírez, Olsson (Vilhena, 66'), Gazinskiy, Claesson (Chernov, 83'), Suleymanov (Wanderson, 46'), Cabella (Utkin, 84') and Berg (Ari, 66').

2. SEVILLA FC: Vaclík, Koundé, Diego Carlos, Gudelj, Escudero (Rekik, 59'), Fernando, Rakitic (Óliver Torres, 59'), Óscar (Jordán, 52'), Ocampos (Idrissi, 71'), Munir and De Jong (En-Nesyri, 71').

GOALS: 0-1 Rakitic, 4'. 1-1 Wanderson, 56'. 1-2 Munir, 90+4'.

REFEREE: Marco Guida. Yellows for Suleymanov and Jordán.