Sevilla V Man United, 16th August 2020
A short week has passed and we’re once again playing football at Stadion Köln, but this time it’s against a Spanish side; Sevilla. Last time we played a Spanish team in the semi-finals we went on to win the whole cup, first by beating Celta Vigo and then of course, as we all remember, Ajax in the final.
The opponent today is no other than the most winning EL team in history. This will be the club’s sixth semi final, and being they’ve won it five times before, it’s easy to conclude that they have won each time they’ve come this far. From experienced winners in almost every competition to young lads dreaming of their first professional triumph, this squad has every type of player, and like United they’re unbeaten in league matches since football resumed in June. If they progress today it will be their 19th cup final in 20 years, and that’s pretty impressive.
Not going to claim I’m a Sevilla expert by any means, but in my opinion they play possession football, with width and short passes, often attacking down the right. Their main strength might be the defence, they’re great at covering the defensive third, denying rapid counter-attacks. They can be a bit predictable in attack, but we still have to keep an eye on Lucas Ocampos, an aggressive, fast paced and powerful winger who’s leading their scoring chart. If Sevilla is calm and collected, he’s the opposite, and I’m sure he’ll keep Williams on his toes.
No doubt this will be our greatest challenge (in the EL) yet, and we need all 11 heads to be switched on from start. Can’t say the trajectory we’ve been on lately has me filled with conviction and confidence, but I have to assume the players want this as much as I do. I also think the team comes into this with extra motivation after losing at this stage in both the FA- and Carabao cup. UTFR!
Sevilla V Man United, August 16 2020, 20.00 pm RheinEnergieStadion