Sevilla took a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against Fenerbahçe, delivering a comeback after a sluggish start. The goals came from Joan Jordán and Erik Lamela, with Lamela capitalizing on a fine build by Jerónimo Rakitic. The win gives Sevilla a strong cushion heading into the return match in Istanbul.
In the opening period, Sevilla faced a disciplined Turkish side that controlled much of the action. Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović repeatedly denied clear chances for Fenerbahçe, keeping the visitors in the contest. Sevilla shifted its approach after halftime, elevating the tempo and pressuring the Turkish defense. Jordán struck from close to the edge of the box, bending a low shot past the goalkeeper, while Lamela finished another swift move to seal the scoreline late on. These two players stepped up when it mattered most, providing a steadying influence for a side that had endured a challenging spell this season.
The return to Sánchez-Pizjuán for Fenerbahçe arrived with the Turkish club riding high as group winners from Group B, even as they faced a Sevilla team looking to restore confidence after recent setback results in LaLiga and the domestic cup. The atmosphere was tense as Sevilla tried to convert a strong performance into an aggregate advantage, hoping to quiet the concerns that followed a difficult run of results.
Sevilla recently endured a rough patch, including a heavy away defeat and mixed form in domestic competition. Still, the tactical reshuffle under coach Jorge Sampaoli yielded a more compact defense and a revitalized frontline. Nianzou, Gomez, and the returning Fernando formed a robust central block with Navas and Acuña providing width in supportive roles. Bryan Gil operated on the left, while En-Nesyri led the line in attack. The lineup combined experience with young energy as Sevilla attempted to balance solidity with attacking intent.
On the opposite bench, Jorge Jesus persisted with his attacking trio. Enner Valencia and Michy Batshuayi already had a prolific season, while Joshua King, though unavailable for this match due to illness, had impressed earlier in the campaign. Valencia and Batshuayi represented a constant threat, testing Sevilla’s defense and keeping the outcome in doubt as the game progressed.
Early action favored Fenerbahçe, who pressed vigorously and created chances through the pace and clever movements of Kadıoğlu and Valencia. Dmitrović remained the key figure for the home side, making decisive saves and guiding his teammates through the toughest moments. Valencia almost found a breakthrough after a sharp sequence but was denied by the alert Sevilla goalkeeper.
As the first half wore on, the Turkish side continued to threaten, and Sevilla struggled to impose their usual rhythm. A key moment came when King linked with Valencia to create a dangerous opportunity, only for Dmitrović to intervene once again. The teams entered the break with the scoreboard still level, but Sevilla had shown signs of improving balance and organization for the second half.
The second half brought renewed purpose. Jordán replaced Telles early in the second period, and Fernando moved into central defense, reinforcing the back line. Sevilla pressed higher and earned a string of chances as the match shifted in their favor. A sequence of near-misses followed, including attempts redirected by defenders and saved by the Turkish goalkeeper, before Jordán finally found the net to put Sevilla ahead.
Lamela then added a second in the closing moments after a well-worked move involving Rakitic, sealing the 2-0 advantage for Sevilla and giving them a valuable lead to take to Istanbul. The hosts grew more composed as the clock ticked down, stabilizing their shape and managing the game effectively to protect the result.
The match also featured a number of notable moments in refereeing and on-field discipline, with both teams receiving cautions at various stages. The clash drew attention to the tactical duel between Sampaoli and Jesus, each coach deploying plans to exploit weaknesses and counter the opponent’s strengths. The atmosphere at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán was electric, with a portion of the crowd backing the Turkish visitors as they sought a positive result away from home.
Final notes from the evening highlighted Sevilla’s resilience and strategic shift, underscoring their history as a force in European competition. The club continues to pursue further advancement in the Europa League, aiming to translate domestic performance into continental success. This fixture underscored the importance of experience and timing in knockout ties, with Sevilla showing patience and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
Data sheet:
2 – Sevilla: Dmitrović; Navas, Nianzou, Gudelj, Telles (Jordan, art.46), Acuña (Suso, art.86); Oliver Torres (Ocampos, m.70), Fernando, Rakitic, Bryan Gil (Lamela, m.70); En-Nesyri (Rafa Mir, m.86).
0 – Fenerbahçe: Longo and; Kadıoğlu, Aziz, Samet, Szalai; Kahveci (Güler, m.87), Willian Arao, Lincoln Henrique (Osayi-Samuel, m.82), Crespo (Rossi, m.67); Valencia (Joao Pedro, m.82), King (Batshuayi, m.67).
Goals: 1-0, 56: Jordán. 2-0, 85: Lamela.
Referee: François Letexier (France).
The match was played at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium in front of 24,480 spectators, including a portion of Turkish fans. The result positions Sevilla favorably ahead of the return leg in Istanbul.
Citations: Movistar Plus coverage and post-match commentary provide context for the tactical adjustments and player performances observed during the tie.