Sevilla take a slim away goal lead into their Europa League last 32 second leg match against Cluj on Thursday night. Los Rojiblancos are the masters of the Europa League and coach Julen Lopetegui will aim to get his team into the last 16 once more.
Cluj could spoil the party at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The Romanian side were winners at the weekend on the domestic front 2-0 against Universitatea Craivoa.
The Romanians finished second in Europa League Group E. Cluj secured 12 points from 18 possible and finished just one point behind group winner Celtic.
They were not proficient in front of goal during the group stage scoring just six times. Manager Dan Petrescu’s team were solid defensively, however, conceding a mere four goals.
Sevilla, on the other hand, topped Group A with 15 points. They conceded just three times in six games while scoring a group high 14 goals.
Lopetegui’s team are unbeaten in three straight games but only one of those games ended in a victory. That win came at the weekend versus Getafe 3-0. Lucas Ocampos scored in the first half with Fernando and Jules Kounde tallying goals in the second 45 minutes.
Although Sevilla will be the bookies’ favourite on Thursday night at home, they were on the back foot against Cluj in the first leg. Cluj took the lead through Ciprian Deac from the penalty spot on 59 minutes. Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri equalised with just eight minutes left.
Cluj have plenty of European experience and will push Sevilla. An away goal changes everything on Thursday night and would put Cluj in the driver’s seat. A 1-1 draw is the only way these teams could go to extra-time due to the away goals rule.
Lopetegui could be without two players for Thursday’s clash in Seville. Tomas Vaclik is recovering from a knee injury while Daniel Carrico is a doubt due to a knock.
💪 Fernando and @vaclos31 are back in training ahead of tomorrow's #UEL clash against @CFR_1907_Cluj. 🐙🧤#VamosmiSevilla #WeareSevilla— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) February 26, 2020
💪 Fernando and @vaclos31 are back in training ahead of tomorrow's #UEL clash against @CFR_1907_Cluj. 🐙🧤#VamosmiSevilla #WeareSevilla
Sevilla have scored 15 times in the final 15 minutes of games this season. Their first leg result once again showed Los Rojiblancos’ ability to get late scores. One of their biggest issues this season has been giving up goals in the final quarter of an hour as well. Sevilla have allowed 10 goals in the final 15 minutes.
Lopetegui should lead Sevilla to a win at home against Cluj. Sevilla have lost just twice in all competitions in 16 matches at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan this season. Expect another Sevilla win with under 2.5 goals going into the back of the net.