Sevilla and Manchester United played out a 2-2 stalemate at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals first leg and each of them will be looking to outplay the other tonight in the return leg fixture as both teams set their eyes on booking a spot in the last four of the competition. A double from Marcel Sabiltzer and own goals netted by Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire ensured that no winner was found the last time out heading into tonight's match. Sevilla simply put were second best to United in the opening minutes of the game as Sabiltzer netted a double within the first 21 minutes of play and at that stage, it appeared as though the English powerhouse had firmly put one leg into the semi-finals of the Europa League competition. 

The La Liga side had other ideas though and their second-half resilience was rewarded as they forced two late own goals leaving the tie at level heading into the second leg of the last eight that will be played on home soil enjoying the benefits of a charged enthusiastic crowd. Sevilla can be said to be experts in the Europa League competition as they have lifted the trophy on six occasions and it will actually not be a shock to see them go all the way even in this season's campaign despite their struggles in the Spanish La Liga. They are motivated by the fact that they will have to win the Europa League if they are to make an appearance in next season's UEFA Champions League campaign as a disappointing domestic campaign has seen them down in the 13th position in the La Liga standings and 16 points adrift of fourth-placed Real Sociedad.

The Red Devils really should have been out of sight against Sevilla heading into the second leg but the late own goals from Malacia and Maguire proved to be costly on the night of the first-leg fixture. More damaging to United is that Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both picked up injuries in the game and have been ruled out of play for the rest of the season. Erik Ten Hag's side would still be confident to triumph over Sevilla but they are picking up injuries at the worst possible time of the season. However, United have a good habit of bouncing back quickly from disappointing results and they recorded a stellar performance in the Premier League this past weekend as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in what was a hotly contested match. The Sunday result strengthened their hold on the top four spots of the English Premier League table.

Manchester United won the Europa League competition in 2017 but would not want to make a habit of competing in Europe's second tire tournament though they are still the favourites to lift the trophy this season despite the stalemate at Old Trafford. It is worth noting, however, that the Red Devils are yet to record any victory over Sevilla as they have failed to beat Sevilla in their past four encounters losing two of them and drawing two. One of the defeats they registered against the Spaniards includes a semi-final Europa League fixture in 2020. United fans will be hoping that their squad can transfer their Premier League form into tonight's match while Sevilla supporters will be optimistic to sail past the English men. 

(Image: The Analyst)