Ah, it’s that time of the year again, the time where Sevilla excels in the UEFA Europa League despite everyone doubting them. The six-time competition winners produced a mature display, tormented Juventus with their high pressing and looked on course to a precious win in Turin. But Juventus’ hard work paid off and substitute defender Federico Gatti scored with the last kick of the game to force a 1-1 and set up a thrilling second leg in Spain.SEVILLA LEAD IN TURIN 🇪🇸🔥They’re at it again in the Europa League 👏💥 pic.twitter.com/rWevBkVtI0— LiveScore (@livescore) May 11, 2023 After Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic had missed a couple of chances for the Italian club, Sevilla started to grow into the game and quickly assume control. Lucas Ocampos had a downward header saved by Wojciech Szczesny, but Jose Mendilibar’s team kept on coming. Youssef En-Nesyri got his goal after a swift counter-attack. Ocampos crossed low, Bryan Gil stepped over the ball and the Moroccan hitman made no mistake.The Spanish team was forced into a substitution as Ocampos picked up a muscle problem. Fellow Argentine Gonzalo Montiel replaced him, but Sevilla remained very much in charge.For Juventus, captain Leonardo Bonucci picked up what looked like a groin injury as the Bianconeri’s problems piled up. However, the injury turned up to be a blessing in disguise because it was Gatti, the goalscorer, who replaced the ageing centre-back. Juventus late rally gave them a fighting chance ahead of the trip to Seville.FT: Roma 1-0 Leverkusen José Mourinho has his eyes on a 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐡 European trophy 🖐👆 pic.twitter.com/t4aMLXPRvq— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 11, 2023 Over at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Jose Mourinho did what Jose Mourinho does best: turning a drab knockout game into a victory. Bayer Leverkusen looked dangerous in the Italian capital, but it was young Edoardo Bove who got the all-important opening goal when he started a move and then tucked in the rebound after Tammy Abraham’s shot’s been parried by Lukas Hradecky.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUESemifinal, first legThursdayJuventus – Sevilla 1-1 (0-1)/Gatti 90+7 – En Nesyri 26/AS Roma – Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 (0-0)/Bove 63/Over in the UEFA Europa Conference League, West Ham’s backup goalie Alphonse Areaola did his best David De Gea impression by letting in a poor goal against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, one that looked a lot like the goal the Spaniard conceded in Manchester United’s loss at this same ground. David Moyes spoke before the game that winning the competition would be his biggest achievement in football. Said Benrahma gave him hope with a penalty conversion after a foul on Jarrod Bowen. And Michail Antonio got his goal when he forced the ball over the line following a corner-induced melee in the area.One more hurdle for West Ham to reach the #UECL final 🙏David Moyes’ team come from behind to beat AZ 2-1! pic.twitter.com/Azrdwwr6et— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 11, 2023 In Florence, Swiss side FC Basel battled to a fantastic 2-1 win against Fiorentina despite going behind in the first half.UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUESemifinal, first legThursdayFiorentina – Basel 1-2 (1-0)/Cabral 25 – Diouf 71, Zaqiri 90+3/West Ham United – AZ Alkmaar 2-1 (0-1)/Benrahma 67 pen, Antonio 76 – Reijnders 42/
