Valencia will have to pull off another miraculous fightback when they face Sevilla on Thursday in order to reach the Europa league final. They did it in the previous round against Basel, winning the second leg 5-0 after a 3-0 first-leg defeat in Switzerland. Now they have to overturn a 2-0 deficit as Stephane M'Bia and Carlos Bacca put Sevilla ahead in the first leg.
Valencia lifted the trophy in 2004 under head coach Rafael Benitez, while Sevilla are the only side to have defended their title since the tournament switched to a one-off final in 1998 - with triumphs in 2005 and 2006. Valencia lost 1-0 to title favourites Atletico Madrid last weekend, a result that left them eighth in the league table with no chance to qualify for next year's Europa League through their Primera Liga placing. Sevilla have won 13 of their last 17 games in all competitions but they were beaten 3-1 at Athletic Bilbao last weekend. The result left Sevilla six points behind Bilbao in the race for a top-four finish.
Sevilla are relying on Colombian striker Bacca for goals, he bagged 21 in all competitions this season, while Valencia are hoping that Paco Alcacer could put in another great performance after netting a hat-trick in the comeback against Basel. Diego Alves and Philippe Senderos (both hamstring) are doubts for Valencia, while Victor Ruiz (thigh) is definitely out. Sevilla will be without Sebastian Cristoforo (knee) and Denis Cheryshev (foot), while defender Daniel Carrico could overcome an ankle problem and play.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Valencia win - 6/5
Draw - 13/5
Sevilla win - 12/5
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
