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161 days since punching their respective tickets to the Europa League Round of 16 (and 322 days since the group stage began), Sevilla and Roma returned to the pitch in Duisburg, Germany, on Thursday in a match that exemplified the strangeness of European football’s return.
This tie was one of two that failed to play a first leg back in March, so a single-leg format at a neutral venue in Germany (where the remainder of the tournament’s matches will be played from the quarterfinals on) was used to determine this one.
As well as the strangeness of the setting and atmosphere, the match also showcased the disruption that COVID-19 has caused on a purely sporting level. For Sevilla, Rony Lopes was removed from the squad having joined OGC Nice on loan. For Roma, influential center back Chris Smalling was suddenly MIA after his loan deal from Manchester United ended.
I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season. To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten. I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA! pic.twitter.com/9vHfpWUNsz
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) August 4, 2020
Missing his preferred central pairing at the back, Roma manager Paulo Fonseca switched from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-5-2-1. It was a disaster.
Roma failed to land a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes while Sevilla took eight shots, including the opening goal from Sergio Reguilón in the 21st minute…
Pace. Determination. Confidence.
A massive first goal for Sergio Reguilón and @SevillaFC_ENG who take the lead after knocking on the door all half. pic.twitter.com/DwlNuFaMdG— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) August 6, 2020
And another right before the half from Youssef En-Nesyri after some nice work from Lucas Ocampos out wide…
Youssef En-Nesyri doubles the lead!@SevillaFC_ENG are asserting their dominance right before the half. pic.twitter.com/IG2E4HmQ3R
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) August 6, 2020
After finishing fifth in Serie A, the Europa League represented Roma’s only remaining path to next season’s Champions League. Sevilla, on the other hand, finished fourth in LaLiga and will be in Europe’s premier club competition next fall.
Regardless, Sevilla’s 2-0 victory shows that this side — which famously won the competition three straight years between 2014 and 2016 — is hungry for more Europa League success.
