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Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 11:55
Sevilla reach Europa semis as Wolves pay for penalty miss
By Reuters
Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 11:55 By Reuters

Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos, right, heads the ball to score his team's first goal during the Europa League quarterfinal match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sevilla at the MSV-Arena in Duisburg, Germany, Aug 11, 2020. (INA FASSBENDER / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)

DUISBURG, Germany - Sevilla midfielder Lucas Ocampos headed a late goal to snatch a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers as they reached the Europa League semi-finals on Tuesday after the English side paid the price for an early penalty miss.

Five-times Europa League winners Sevilla, who will face Man United in the last four in Cologne, enjoyed 73% of possession and won 14 corners to none for Wolves in a one-sided game

Raul Jimenez saw his hesitant spot kick easily saved by goalkeeper Bono in the 13th minute of the single-leg tie and Wolves failed to muster a shot on target after that as former Real Madrid and Spain coach Julen Lopetegui’s side took control.

Five-times winners Sevilla, who will face Manchester United in the last four in Cologne on Sunday, enjoyed 73 percent of possession and won 14 corners to none for Wolves in a one-sided game.

ALSO READ: Extra-time Fernandes penalty sends United into Europa semis

Wolves, playing in their first European quarter-final for 48 years, appeared to feel the effects of a marathon season which saw them play 59 matches, including 17 in the Europa League starting at home to Crusaders on July 25 last year.

Yet the Midlands team made a promising start with Adama Traore at the centre of things. Having set up an early chance which Raul Jimenez headed straight at Bono, the Spaniard powered into the area and was tripped from behind by Diego Carlos.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' players reacts after the Europa League quarterfinal soccer match between Wolves and Sevilla at the MSV Arena in Duisburg, Germany, Aug 11, 2020. Seville won 1-0. (FRIEDEMANN VOGEL / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)

Jimenez, who usually waits for the keeper to move, appeared caught in two minds and his effort was comfortably stopped by Bono with a dive to his left. It was the Mexican’s first penalty miss for Wolves after converting his previous eight efforts.

Sevilla dominated the match after that, passing the ball around in the centre of the pitch, but it was fairly unproductive possession and they created few openings.

READ MORE: Livewire Lukaku leads Inter to Europa League semi-finals

The second half was a similar story with Wolves apparently happy to allow Sevilla to knock the ball around in midfield.

But the Spaniards grew more dangerous towards the end and broke through with two minutes left. Their 13th corner was rolled to Ever Banega and he curled a cross into the area which Ocampos flicked past keeper Rui Patricio.

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