Wissam Ben Yedder came off the bench to score a sensational brace, powering Sevilla to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the iconic Old Trafford on Tuesday, securing their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Match Summary
- Manchester United 1 Sevilla 2
- Rico denies Fellaini in the first half
- Lingard also frustrated by Rico’s sharp saves
- Ben Yedder’s brace puts Sevilla firmly in control
- Lukaku’s strike gives United a late consolation
The first half was a cautious affair with chances hard to come by. However, after Ben Yedder was introduced in the 72nd minute, the game was electrified as he scored twice to turn the tide. Despite Romelu Lukaku’s late strike pulling one back for the Red Devils, it wasn’t enough to keep Jose Mourinho’s side in Europe.
Full Report
Manchester United started with high energy and attacking intent, but Sevilla gradually seized control. In the 9th minute, Joaquin Correa came close when he headed just over the bar from Ever Banega’s corner, showcasing Sevilla’s early dominance.
Unfortunately for Sevilla, their finishing was lacking, and they could not convert their chances during this period.
United showed sparks before half-time as well. Marouane Fellaini found space after a neat one-two with Alexis Sanchez and shot inside the box, but Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico made a crucial save at the near post.
Early in the second half, Sevilla almost scored when Pablo Sarabia’s cross found Correa, but Eric Bailly’s last-ditch tackle denied the effort.
United’s Jesse Lingard tested Rico in the 52nd minute, firing across goal, but the keeper made a sharp fingertip save to keep the scoreline level.
Then, the match turned on its head in the 74th minute. Ben Yedder, just minutes after coming on, controlled the ball beautifully outside the box and unleashed a powerful low shot into the bottom-right corner to break the deadlock.
Four minutes later, Ben Yedder added a second after meeting a flick-on from Correa at the far post, heading past David De Gea despite his glove attempt.
The game intensified as United pushed for an equaliser. Chris Smalling missed a golden opportunity when he failed to control a free-kick at the far post, an error Sevilla punished as Lukaku hooked in a corner delivery from Rashford in the 84th minute.
Sevilla continued to threaten with Ben Yedder nearly completing a hat-trick in stoppage time but shot straight at De Gea, leaving the final score as a famous victory for Sevilla.
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