Late Sevilla winner ends Wolves’ European adventure

Wolves began their campaign in July of last year with a 2-0 victory over Crusaders in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

But yesterday their season came to a conclusion following their 1-0 defeat to Sevilla in the last eight of same competition in Duisburg. A season that lasted a grand total of 383 days, which included a gruelling 59 games in all competitions.

It was always going to be a tough one for the Premier League side, Sevilla have had plenty of experience in this competition, which can be backed by the fact they have won it five times.

But Nuno Espiritio Santo had a game plan to deal with Lopetegui’s side, they were going to sit back and beat them on the counter.

And it worked for Santo’s men in the first half, in the 10th minute. Leandro Dendoncker retrieved the ball off Ever Banega, knocked it to Ruben Neves, who released the roadrunner Adama Traore.

He went on an excellent run from his own third to Sevilla’s 18 yard area, he was brought down by Sergio Reguilon, which gave Wolves a penalty.

Raul Jimenez was the man who took the Old Gold’s spot-kick, however, he was unable to add to his impressive 27 goal tally. It was a slow run up from the Mexican, and his penalty proved to an easy save by Sevilla keeper Yassine Bonou.

However it proved a controversial moment as the keeper appeared off his line when Jimenez took his spotkick, Diego Carlos was also found to be in the area. It was something VAR should have, but didn’t look at and it would come back to bite Wolves.

Sevilla almost took the lead themselves immediately after the penalty miss. Former Liverpool midfielder Suso’s low driven shot appeared to be creeping in the bottom right corner of the next, but Rui Patricio was there to keep him out.

Then nine minutes before the break an effort from Lucas Ocampos curled just wide of the post. That proved to be the last real effort of the half, meaning it went in at half-time scoreless.

Wolves had done exceptionally in that first half, they had really slowed down Sevilla and was really frustrating them.

But Sevilla upped their game massively in the second 45, on the hour mark Youssef En-Nesyri danced away from Conor Coady and Romain Saiss and found himself one-on-one with Patricio. However, he lost his balence and wasn’t able to get a proper shot away – it was a huge let off for Wolves.

Four minutes later, an inswinger into the box from Suso found the head of Jules Kounde, who headed just over the crossbar. Wolves were now living dangerously, and it was looking like there was only going to be one winner, and that was Sevilla.

And with three minutes to go, they got their goal. Suso played a short corner to Banega who whipped it in and found the head of fellow Argentinian, Ocampos. His glancing header beat Patricio and would go on to beat the West Midlands side.

It was a disappointing goal to concede from a Wolves’ perspective. After high levels of concentration throughout the game they switched off at the corner and it proved to be fatal.  The loss means that they will not be in Europe next season.

Santo was visibly disappointed, but he could not fault the effort of his players from last night and the season:

“Frustration. In the last minute, something that happened to us too many times, it required focus on a set-piece.

“But I’m proud of the boys, they played a tough team and we were organised. We had moments that could, small details, small margins, it’s all about that, but that happens in football.

“But we came this far, now it’s over, let’s rest and look for the future.”

Despite the last heartbreak, it has been an excellent season for Wolves. To get that far in Europe while also finishing 7th in the Premier League is something they should be proud of.

They will now embark on short-break before turning their attentions to the new Premier League season which is due to start next month. No doubt Wolves’ fans will be hoping that their side can qualify for Europe once again.

Meanwhile, opponents Sevilla will take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United in the Semi-Final on Sunday.

 

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