Sevilla remained on course for a third consecutive UEFA Europa League title as Kevin Gameiro struck twice to down Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 and progress 5-3 on aggregate on Thursday.
Already holding the cushion of two away goals from the first leg last week, Gameiro gave Sevilla the perfect start at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan when he fired into the far corner after just nine minutes.
Gameiro took his competition tally this season to seven goals.
Photo: AP
Former Arsenal striker Eduardo briefly gave the Ukrainians hope when he leveled with a calm finish a minute before halftime, but Sevilla quickly reasserted their stranglehold on the tie with a fine team goal finished off by Gameiro two minutes into the second half for his 28th goal of the season.
Brazilian rightback Mariano handed Sevilla a two-goal advantage they never looked like relinquishing when he smashed home a stunning third just before the hour mark from outside the penalty area.
Sevilla maintained their impressive recent history in the competition. The Spanish side are looking to win the UEFA Cup or Europa League for a record-extending fifth time in the past 11 years.
Sevilla are seventh in La Liga, but continue to produce in the Europa League and coach Unai Emery expects a tough match against Liverpool in the final in Basel, Switzerland, on May 18.
“[The Liverpool game] will be a very demanding and beautiful final,” Emery told Spanish daily Marca.
“The team always stood tall [against Shakhtar]. We managed to overcome the difficulties, it went in our favor and gave us momentum to win the game,” he said. “It was a tough tie, [Sevilla and Shakhtar] know each other well and we wish to take the next step.”
“After the break we needed to play the game where we felt more comfortable, without many transitions from one goal to the next. [Kevin Gamerio’s goals] gave us confidence that cast doubt on [Shakhtar],” he said.
Sevilla face Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool in the final, a team with plenty of European pedigree, being five-time European Cup winners.
“[Liverpool] will be looking to make history and [seek a passage] to the Champions League,” Emery said. “All the players who come to Sevilla come not for personal goals, but to accomplish something together.”
The Spanish side head to Basel with two consecutive Europa League trophies to their name, but Emery would not pick a favorite for the final.
“To label us favorites, we have to analyze many things. It’s difficult to say because we are fair and objective,” he said.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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