UEFA Europa League: Manchester United 2-2 Sevilla- Malacia, Maguire score own goals in QF draw
Manchester United and Sevilla faced off in the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday, with United taking a commanding 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from Marcel Sabitzer.
However, things turned sour for the home side when Tyrell Malacia scored a bizarre own goal in the 84th minute, followed by Youssef En-Nesyri’s header in stoppage time that deflected off Harry Maguire to seal the draw for Sevilla.
United now face an uphill battle in the second leg, especially with the suspension of Bruno Fernandes.
Sabitzer’s impressive performance puts United in control
The match started off well for United, with Sabitzer scoring his first European goal for the club in the 14th minute and adding another seven minutes later. United had the game under control, but a series of unfortunate events turned the match on its head.
Malacia’s own goal was followed by an injury to Lisandro Martinez that forced Sevilla to play with 10 men. En-Nesyri’s header that deflected off Maguire sealed the draw for Sevilla, leaving United stunned and facing an uphill battle in the second leg.
Injuries and suspension pose a challenge for United in the second leg
Despite United’s dominant performance in the first half, the match ended in a draw thanks to two late own goals. The injuries to Martinez and Raphael Varane and the suspension of Fernandes only add to United’s problems ahead of the second leg.
United will need to regroup quickly and come up with a solid game plan if they hope to progress to the semifinals of the Europa League. The pressure is on for United, who are aiming for their second trophy of the season after winning the League Cup.
