Krasnodar 1-2 Sevilla: Munir El Haddadi nets last-gasp winner following Ivan Rakitic’s superb half-volley as LaLiga outfit seal progression to Champions League knockout stages
- Ivan Rakitic got Sevilla off to a flyer in the fourth minute with a superb half-volley
- Krasnodar equalised in 56th minute through Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos
- Sevilla had the last laugh with an injury-time winner through Munir El Haddadi
- The LaLiga outfit have qualified for knockout stages with two matches to spare
Munir El Haddadi scored in the final minute of stoppage time as Sevilla defeated Krasnodar 2-1 to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League on Tuesday.
El Haddadi scored the dramatic late winner in Russia after striking home into the bottom corner with his second attempt to give Sevilla 10 points in Group E from four matches played.
Chelsea also advanced with 10 points after winning 2-1 at Rennes. Krasnodar and Rennes have stayed at one point each after four matches.
Munir El Haddadi netted in the fifth minute of injury-time to secure a 2-1 victory for Sevilla
The Sevilla star is mobbed by his jubilant team-mates following his last-gasp winner in Russia
Ivan Rakitic put Sevilla ahead four minutes in on Tuesday with a superb half-volley from outside the area after the ball was cleared from the box by Krasnodar defender Kaio.
The hosts equalized through Wanderson’s strike from close range, with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde unable to block it on the goalline.
But it was Sevilla who had the last laugh right at the death thanks to El Haddadi’s strike on Tuesday evening.
Krasnodar had struggled to create significant chances and their first shot on target came late in the first half. They had one of their best chances shortly after the break when Remy Cabella’s shot hit the post after being redirected by Kounde as he slid in front of the goal.
Sevilla have won only one of their last 11 away matches in the group stage of the Champions League.
Sevilla had earlier been pegged back in the 56th minute by Wanderson Maciel Sousa Campos
The defending Europa League champions are making their first Champions League appearance since the 2017-18 season, when they were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Last time out, Sevilla rallied from two goals down to win 3-2 against Krasnodar in Seville despite playing the entire second half with 10 men because of Jesus Navas’ red card.
Navas was one of several Sevilla players not available on Tuesday because of injuries and coronavirus. Carlos Fernandez and goalkeeper Bono had tested positive for COVID-19, as did Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
Sevilla also lost Sergio Escudero because of an injury in the 60th minute on Tuesday – leaving the pitch on a stretcher.
Ivan Rakitic gave the LaLiga outfit the perfect start in the Champions League group stage clash
The former Barcelona midfielder put Sevilla ahead inside just four minutes on Tuesday evening
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