Just like Liverpool, Sevilla are tardy and indifferent when it comes to the domestic league, but when it comes to European competition, they are unbeatable. A brace by Kevin Gameiro and a third by Mariano was enough to overcome Shakhtar who tried to make it competitive with a goal by Eduardo, former Arsenal striker. Gunner fans will remember him for some scintillating goals but mostly for a gruesome foot and ankle injury leading to an interminable layoff. That he’s still on the pitch and scoring is a testimony to his extraordinary courage and nose for goals.
Sevilla under Unai Emery gets shafted when it comes to La Liga heavy hitting but they are streets ahead in technical proficiency compared to clubs in other leagues. Their first victim at the 2005-06 Europa Cup apex were English club Middlesbrough. Since then they have beaten Espanyol, Benfica, and Dnipro. Liverpool will probably be their severest test in their quest to win a third title on the trot.
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