Sevilla defeated Manchester United 2-1 in a hard fought Europa League semi-final in Cologne, crushing the English side’s hope of a finishing the season with at least one silverware. 

United took an early lead following Bruno Fernandes scoring the team’s 22nd penalty this season but Sevilla equalised before the interval when former Liverpool forward Suso shot past David de Gea at the far post.

The second-half saw Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero after stopping multiple shots from Anthony Martial. Some sloppy defending led to Luuk de Jong sweeping home a cross from Jesus Navas. Fernandes was seen confronting defender Victor Lindelof right after conceding the second goal. 

The win confirmed Sevilla as the tournament experts while exposing United’s weakness in their third semi-final loss this season. Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side saw some success towards the end of the season following Bruno’s signing and confirming a Champions League slot after finishing the Premier League at the third place, a loss to Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final, Chelsea in the FA Cup and now the Europa loss showed the team’s inability to step up in big games. 

20 games unbeaten, Sevilla has now reached their sixth Uefa Cup/Europa League final, at least two more than any other side.