The second leg of the Europa League semi-final between Valencia and Sevilla took place at the Mestalla this evening.
Sevilla entered the match as the strong favourites to advance following a 2-0 victory in the first leg last week.
However, Valencia restored parity in the tie after just 26 minutes when a powerful strike from Sofiane Feghouli was followed by an own goal from Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.
The home side completed the turnaround 20 minutes from time when Jeremy Mathieu converted from close range.
There was to be late drama, however, with Stephane Mbia's late header seeing Sevilla advance to the final on away goals.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Europa League coverage continues this evening as Valencia welcome Sevilla to the Mestalla for the second leg of their semi-final. As mentioned, Sevilla will enter the match as the favourites to advance following a 2-0 win in the first leg at the Estadio Ramon last week. However, there is still a lot of football to be played in this tie. Right, let me get straight on with the team news...
TEAMS:
VALENCIA: Alves; Joao, R. Costa, Mathieu, Bernat; Parejo, Keita; Feghouli, Vargas, Piatti; Jonas
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Pareja, Fazio, Navarro; Mbia, Carrico; Vitolo, Rakitic, Reyes; Bacca
So there we have it. Valencia are without the suspended Paco Alcacer this evening, meaning that experienced Jonas returns to the XI in attack. Jose Gaya drops to the bench, but there are starts for Juan Bernat and Ricardo Costa. Sevilla boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, leaves Marko Marin, Alberto Moreno and Kevin Gameiro all on the bench, with Vitolo and Jose Antonio Reyes supporting leading scorer Carlos Bacca.
Quick-fire goals from Stephane Mbia and Carlos Bacca handed Sevilla a 2-0 victory in the first leg at the Estadio Ramon last week, but it was a match where Valencia had strong chances of their own. Surprisingly, last week's clash was the first time that the two sides had met in European competition, but they have clashed 207 times in domestic football, with Valencia winning 95 times to Sevilla's 77.
In terms of recent meetings in this particular stadium, Valencia were 3-1 winners over Sevilla when the pair last met in September. They also recorded a 2-0 win at the Mestalla in January 2013, but Sevilla recorded a 2-1 success in February 2012. Remarkably, there have been no draws in the last 19 league games between the two sides at the Mestalla. Since 1994, Valencia have won 13 times to Sevilla's six in this stadium.
Valencia's record against Spanish sides in Europe, meanwhile, reads played 14, won six, drawn three and lost five. They have lost just one of those matches on their own patch, however. Sevilla, meanwhile, have won just one of their four European away ties against Spanish opposition. That said, they did eliminate La Liga rivals in the shape of Real Betis in the round of 16 this season. There are just about 20 minutes until kickoff...
Valencia made it to this stage of the competition by topping Group A ahead of Premier League outfit Swansea City. They were paired with Dynamo Kiev in the first knockout round and overcame the Ukrainian outfit 2-0, before moving past Ludogorets in the round of 16. They lost the first leg of their quarter-final 3-0 to Basel, but won 5-0 in Spain to advance into the final four. It was some turnaround in the second leg.
Valencia's league form in recent weeks, however, has been disappointing, winning just one of their last six. They enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to leaders Atletico, with that result leaving them in eighth spot in the table on 45 points. They are seven points behind seventh-place Villarreal and an incredible 20 points behind fourth-place Athletic Bilbao with just three league games remaining.
Sevilla's top-four hopes took a hit at the weekend, meanwhile, as they lost 3-1 at Bilbao. They have won four of their last six in the league, however, with that run of form leaving them in fifth position on 59 points. They still have an outside chance of making the top four, but it would take some turnaround in the final three matches for that to occur. That said, it has still been an impressive campaign for Emery's side.
Sevilla made it to this stage after finishing top of Group H ahead of Sloven Liberec. They overcame Maribor 4-3 on aggregate in the first knockout stage, before beating local rivals Real Betis on penalties in the round of 16. They then faced much-fancied Porto in the quarter-finals, but won 4-2 on aggregate. The Spanish outfit are chasing their third success in this competition having won the tournament in both 2006 and 2007.
PREDICTION: Both managers have selected attacking teams this evening, which points to an open affair. Valencia will be forced to come out due to last week's result in the first leg, which should play into Sevilla's hands. In truth, I am finding it difficult to separate the two sides on the night. My score prediction is 2-2, which would see Sevilla advance to the final with an aggregate score of 4-2.
El calentamiento del @valenciacf en la previa del #VCFsevilla, en IMÁGENES: http://t.co/odngbU0fqj #altraREAMUNTADA pic.twitter.com/eiUWGM3LDz
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) May 1, 2014
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Valencia need to score first this evening if they are to turn the tie around. Right, the away side get the action underway.
It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside this packed stadium this evening. Valencia need to produce something special, but they certainly have the capabilities to turn this one around. Worrying start for Sevilla as their leading scorer Bacca hits the ground and stays there after clashing with Costa.
Bacca does return to his feet following a period on the ground, but he is not moving too cleverly at the moment. Half-chance for Valencia as Jonas finds some space inside the Sevilla box before curling one towards goal, but Beto is on hand to make the save. Plenty happening in the opening four minutes of this contest.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Benfica or Juventus in the final. As it stands, Benfica lead 2-1 from the first leg in Portugal last week. The pair are currently goalless in Turin. Nervy moment for Sevilla goalkeeper Beto as Fazio rolls a low pass back to his stopper, who slices into touch.
Sevilla's first half-chance of the match falls to Rakitic following a sweeping counter-attack, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The end-to-end period continues as Feghouli delivers a dangerous cross towards Jonas, but Carrico is on hand to clear. Still goalless, but plenty happening at both ends in Valencia.
Another half-chance for Sevilla as Rakitic feeds Bacca, who strikes towards the top corner, but Mathieu is on hand to make the block. One goal for the visitors would need Valencia needing four. In truth, it is difficult to imagine that occurring without Sevilla scoring again. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes, meanwhile, due to a number of late challenges from both sides.
Valencia continue to force the issue with a period of possession outside the Sevilla box, but they have been unable to find a way through thus far, with Fazio and Pareja both solid in defensive areas. Sevilla are down the other end with Reyes moments later and the Spaniard wins a free kick from Valencia winger Feghouli.
GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Sevilla (Feghouli)
Tie on! Valencia strike first in the second leg as Feghouli picks up possession in a wide area before driving into the box and firing his effort into the top corner via a slight deflection. Valencia lead on the night.
Sevilla's teamtalk before the match would have been to quieten the crowd in the opening 20 minutes or so, but Valencia have taken advantage of their early territory. Suddenly everyone in a white shirt wants the ball as they continue to pass and probe outside the Sevilla box. This is a real test for Emery's side this evening.
Sevilla remain a threat on the counter as Reyes drives down the right before floating a cross towards the head of Bacca, but Alves is out to collect at the vital moment. It is difficult to see Sevilla not scoring this evening due to the talent they possess in attack. As it stands, one more Valencia goal would level the tie up at 2-2. However, an away goal changes everything. The opening 19 minutes has just flown past.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia to score their second as Jonas and Feghouli combine inside the Sevilla box before the latter pokes one towards the bottom corner, but Beto makes a smart save.
The referee continues to become involved due to a number of late challenges, but he has not produced a card thus far. Piatti leads another counter for the home side moments later before finding Mathieu, but his effort is wide of the post. Plenty of confidence running through the home side at the moment. Plenty of Sevilla supporters inside the stadium this evening, meanwhile, but they have been left frustrated thus far...
Los aficionados del Sevilla, en las gradas de Mestalla pic.twitter.com/7bjGYVk6KV
— MARCA (@marca) May 1, 2014
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but Valencia continue to force the issue in the final third. Just a reminder that Sevilla won the first leg 2-0 last week. As a result, one more goal for Valencia would level it up. Could we have extra-time and possibly penalties?
GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Sevilla (Jonas)
Wow! Valencia score their second of the match after 26 minutes as Jonas thumps a powerful header into the back of the net. Beto appeared to have made the save, but it hit the crossbar before rolling into the net. It has taken less than 30 minutes for the home side to restore parity. Sevilla really need to settle here.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Reyes drives down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but there are no takers. One goal for the away side would certainly change the atmosphere inside the stadium. The free kick count continues to rise, meanwhile, as Jonas is felled by Coke just outside the home side's box.
It has been a positive response from Sevilla, with Rakitic starting to influence proceedings in the final third. The Croatian drives a deep free kick towards Bacca, but Alves is on hand to collect before Valencia launch another counter. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in normal time tonight.
Another half-chance for the away side as Reyes arrives at the far post following a deep cross from Vitolo, but the Spaniard is deemed to have pushed Mathieu in the back. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Sevilla are enjoying their best spell of the match. It is so delicately poised in Valencia.
Half-chance for Valencia as Mathieu breaks forward from defence before striking one towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Reyes drives into the Valencia box, but he is crowded out by Mathieu, who has been heavily involved in the last few minutes.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the away side as Bacca produces a brilliant flick towards Reyes, who looked certain to convert at the far post, but Alves somehow made the save. What a chance!
Sevilla continue to force the issue as Coke breaks forward from defence before moving past Pereira, but the right-back is deemed to have felled Costa at the final moment. Not too much in terms of Valencia pressure in the last few minutes, however, which is frustrating the supporters. As it stands, we are level in the tie.
Still no score in the other semi-final this evening, with Benfica still leading Juventus 2-1 on aggregate following the first leg in Portugal last week. Rakitic continues to become involved for Sevilla as he combines with Bacca outside the box, but Mathieu is on hand to make a brilliant last-ditch challenge.
Spell of pressure for Valencia in the latter stages of the half as Bernat fires just wide of Beto's post, before Piatti delivers a dangerous cross into the box, which Fazio clears at the vital moment.
HALF-TIME: Valencia 2-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valencia leading 2-0 on the night following goals from Feghouli and Jonas. Sevilla were 2-0 winners in the first leg last week, meaning that the tie is all level. It has been a fascinating battle at the Mestalla between the two sides thus far.
STATISTICS: Valencia have had 56% of the possession thus far, while they have had seven attempts - three of which have been on target. Sevilla, meanwhile, have hit the target with two of their four attempts. There has not been a single card issued thus far, meanwhile, which is credit to the referee.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have the likes of Barragan, Cartabia and Herrero on their bench this evening. Meanwhile, Sevilla have attacking options in the shape of Gameiro, Marin and Jairo. There are certainly goals in that list of players. Which manager will blink first in the second 45 minutes?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. Juventus and Benfica, meanwhile, remain level on the night in Turin, with the latter leading 2-1 on aggregate. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway. Let's hope for more of the same at the Mestalla.
'Yes We Can' the the deafening sound at the Mestalla, with @valenciacf_en all square on agg. vs #SevillaFC at HT. pic.twitter.com/OA1jQ5vAOT
— Inside La Liga (@InsideLaLiga) May 1, 2014
No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Valencia have an early free kick just outside the Sevilla box, but Parejo's effort flies high and wide.
The free kick count continues to rise in the early stages of the second period as Vitolo brings Piatti to the ground. Parejo once more stands over the resulting set piece before delivering into the box. Eventually it falls to Piatti, but his effort is just wide of the post. Strong pressure from Valencia in the second half.
Nervous goalkeeping from Alves as the Valencia stopper carries possession behind for a Sevilla corner after collecting a weak free kick from Rakitic. The resulting set piece is delivered by Reyes, but Keita is on hand to clear the danger. The away side have just started to make their mark in the second half as Bacca drives into the Valencia box before finding Vitolo, but the Spaniard cannot gather at the vital moment.
BOOKING! Bernat enters the book for Valencia for dissent.
Possession football from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes, but clear chances have been at a premium in the second half. Just a reminder that, as it stands, the tie would head for extra-time. However, one goal for the away side would leave Valencia needing to score twice. It is so delicately poised at the Mestalla.
Half-chance for the home side as Parejo breaks into the Sevilla half before finding Piatti, but Pareja is on hand to make the block. Sevilla attempt to break down the other end with Bacca, but the Colombian runs out of space in the final third. Little over 30 minutes of this second leg remaining. Who will blink first?
Still no movement on either bench, but both managers will be considering changes at this stage of events. Valencia continue to threaten with back-to-back corners, but Rakitic and Fazio take it in turns to clear the danger. Sevilla just cannot get out at the moment and when they do, keeping the ball is proving an issue.
Another half-chance for Valencia as Jonas meets a cross from Pereira, but his header just drops wide of the post. Sevilla break with Vitolo moments later, but the Spaniard runs into traffic on the edge of the box.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Sevilla have the chance to deliver a free kick into the Valencia box through Rakitic, but Fazio cannot beat Mathieu in the air. Fede is preparing to enter for the home side...
SUB! Indeed the change is made as Fede replaces Piatti for Valencia.
Sevilla boss Emery has a number of attacking players on his bench this evening, but it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard is prepared to change his formation at this stage of proceedings. Valencia continue to threaten in wide positions as Pereira delivers towards the head of Jonas, but Fazio makes a fine block.
Despite trailing 2-0, Sevilla are still in a strong position in this match. One goal for the away side would need Valencia needing two. Even a Valencia goal in the next couple of minutes would not change things too much. However, it is the home side that are currently in control of the possession and indeed tempo.
SUB! Sevilla make their first change of the match as Gameiro replaces Bacca.
Gameiro has scored seven times in his last six matches. Can the Frenchman make the difference once more? Both sides have just started to take more care in defensive areas, which is not a surprise at this stage of proceedings. That said, you just get the feeling that there is another goal in normal time this evening.
GOAL! Valencia 3-0 Sevilla (Mathieu)
Valencia complete the turnaround after 70 minutes as Mathieu rises inside the box from a corner before firing one into the top corner. The Frenchman was indeed the first to react in a crowded penalty box.
As mentioned, one goal for Sevilla would still be enough to see them into the final. That is the position that Valencia are in. Still more than 15 minutes of football remaining and it would not be a surprise to see more drama. Vitolo delivers a low cross into the Valencia box, but Mathieu is on hand to thump clear.
SUB! Sevilla make their second change as Alberto Moreno replaces Navarro.
BOOKING! Feghouli enters the book for Valencia following a late challenge on Rakitic.
Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the match continues to flow from end-to-end. Sevilla look long towards the head of Gameiro, but Mathieu is on hand to clear once more. Feghouli launches a break for the home side in the next attack, but his cross is straight into the arms of goalkeeper Beto.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Benfica or Juventus in the final. As it stands, the former still lead 2-1 following the first leg in Portugal last week. There appears to be a problem for Valencia goalkeeper Alves, meanwhile, with the stopper hitting the deck and staying there inside his box.
SUB! Valencia make their second change of the match as Javi Fuego replaces Parejo.
SUB! Sevilla look to their bench once more as Marko Marin replaces Reyes.
Little under 10 minutes of football remaining and as it stands, Valencia will be in the final next month. However, one goal for Sevilla would see the visitors advance. It is so delicately poised at the Mestalla.
Valencia have just started to drop deeper and deeper in the last couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise. As a result, Sevilla are enjoying possession in the final third, but are finding it difficult to create clear opportunities. You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail.
BOOKING! Alves has his name taken for Valencia for timewasting.
SUB! Valencia make their third and final change as Barragan replaces Jonas.
I suspect that there will be five or six minutes added at the end of the 90 following a number of stoppages in the second period. Valencia are far from safe at this stage of proceedings. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining. One goal for Sevilla would see them advance into the final next month.
BOOKING! Carrico enters the book for Sevilla following a late challenge on Fede.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but Sevilla continue to force the issue with long balls into the Valencia box. Marin whips a dangerous ball towards Gameiro moments later, but Alves is across to collect. Little over one minute of normal time remaining in this semi-final.
Gameiro takes matters into his own hands for Sevilla after driving down the left before cutting inside, but his curling effort just moves wide of the post. The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional five minutes and we are indeed into the first of those at the Mestalla.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments as the referee continues to become involved following a number of late challenges. The home supporters believe that they are into the final. Have Sevilla got anything left in the final two minutes? Valencia have possession of the ball with two minutes to play.
Frustration for Sevilla as Coke is penalised for a foul on Keita inside the Valencia half. The home side will take their time as the seconds continue to drift away. Valencia are so close to the final.
BOOKING! Mathieu is booked for Valencia for timewasting.
GOAL! Valencia 3-1 Sevilla (Mbia)
WOW! Sevilla have their away goal in the final minute of stoppage time as Mbia rises inside a crowded box before planting his header into the back of the net. What a moment for the away side. Incredible!
Stunning power in the header for Mbia. Sevilla have snatched this away from Valencia at the final moment. What an incredible end to this match. Surely there is just enough time for kickoff to take place.
FULL-TIME: Valencia 3-1 Sevilla (Sevilla advance on away goals)
Wow, just incredible. Mbia scores in the final minute of stoppage time to help Sevilla into the final on away goals. The first leg ended 2-0 to Sevilla last week, meaning that a 3-1 defeat is still enough for Sevilla to advance. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. What a night at the Mestalla!
