Sevilla go into their Europa League third qualifying round second leg fixture against Zalgiris on Thursday night with a one goal advantage. Sevilla are in charge of the fixture against their Lithuanian opponents as they simply need an away goal to settle the tie.
Pablo Machin’s team may have won the first leg, but it failed to get into second gear. Sevilla scored just once at home thanks to a 34th minute Ever Banega goal.
Sevilla go into the second leg having sold defensive midfielder Steven Nzonzi this week. He joins a long list of players the club has allowed to leave this summer including star goalkeeper Sergio Rico, Clement Lenglet, Joaquin Correa, and Guido Pizarro. Despite the subtractions to the squad, Sevilla still have far more quality in their ranks than Zalgiris. Machin’s men recently lost the Spanish Supercopa, 2-1, and made a solid showing against Barcelona.
While Sevilla won’t start the La Liga season until the weekend, Zalgiris are in the middle of their domestic season. The club sits second in the competition posting a +16-goal difference. However, none of the competition Zalgiris have faced compare to that of Sevilla.
Zalgiris’ players should have superior fitness to that of Sevilla’s starting XI. The team’s fitness was what most likely played into its solid defensive displays in the first leg. Zalgiris came through the first and second qualifying rounds by allowing just three goals over four fixtures.
The Spanish side may not be the same one that won three consecutive Europa League titles, but Machin is in a re-building mode with the club. Although the second leg should be cagey, Sevilla will have no difficulty gaining the win and progressing to the playoff round. There, the Spaniards could have some trouble. Sevilla are far better than Zalgiris, but the team finished last season in such disarray in La Liga that there are questions over how good the side is over the long-term.
Pablo Sarabia has tallied three goals in two Europa League ties for Sevilla. He will be counted on to score goals this term for the Spaniards. Banega is Sevilla’s leading passer on the pitch and is an important player to keep the team’s attack ticking forward.
Looking at Sevilla’s list of players such as Jesus Navas, Nolito, Wissam Ben Yedder, and others, there is no way Zalgiris can get past Sevilla. Even if the Lithuanians put in a solid defensive performance again, Sevilla will ease through with away goals.