KIEV: Sevilla remained on course for a third successive Europa League success after securing a 2-2 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine in the first leg of their semi-final.
Unai Emery’s side are looking to become the first to win a major European competition three years in a row since Bayern Munich 40 years ago.
They had to come from behind after Vitolo’s early goal was cancelled out by Marlos and Taras Stepanenko, with Kevin Gameiro’s late penalty giving them two vital away goals.
And, given their superb home record, Sevilla will fancy their chances of reaching yet another final.
A fortnight after an added-time winner putLiverpool into the last four of the Europa League, a similar fate befell them as they lost their semi-final first leg 1-0 in Villarreal.
The match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until substitute Adrian Lopez poked home two minutes into injury time.
It was less dramatic than Dejan Lovren’s header against Borussia Dortmund two weeks previously – Jurgen Klopp’s side still have the home leg to come – but frustrating nonetheless as they had appeared to have ground out a draw.