The opinion in some quarters is that the Champions League group phase has become predictable and dull but if you want an advert for all that is best in Europe’s elite competition you need look no further than Tuesday’s showdown between Sevilla and Arsenal.
From the moment the 40,000 Sevilla fans crammed into the Sanchez Pizjuan burst into a spine-tingling chorus of their centenary anthem you could sense that it was going to be a special night.
Two sides committed to high-class attacking football put on a display to remember complete with all the thrills and spills of a cup tie.
A new-look Arsenal side took the lead with a superbly crafted opener, featuring a neat back-heeled pass from the ever impressive Emmanuel Eboue, a great cross from Nicklas Bendtner and a cool finish from Eduardo da Silva.
But Sevilla held on when Arsenal threatened to swamp them, hit back with a stunning shot from their new signing Seydou Keita and then proceeded to take charge of the game.
A clever glancing header from leading scorer Luis Fabiano and a last-minute penalty from former Spurs striker Frederic Kanoute earned Sevilla a 3-1 win that secured them top spot in the group and a place in the last 16.
Before the match Arsene Wenger said Sevilla were one of the sides he thought could win the Champions League. Few people would argue with him on the strength of last night. It was not so much the fact that Sevilla became the first side to beat the Londoners since April but the manner in which they did it.
The level of intensity and commitment displayed by Manolo Jimenez’s side as well as their sheer technical brilliance make Sevilla one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe and my tip to win the Champions League. What’s yours?
PHOTO: Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano (L) celebrates after scoring against Arsenal during their Champions League Group H match in Seville, November 27, 2007. REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo
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12 comments so far
I could see Sevilla going a long way. They remind me of Valencia (in terms of confidence, not playing style) when they reached the final at the first attempt. Of course, it all went wrong against Real in Paris.
- Posted by kevAs a the reddest of them devils I say United but as you said Simon, Sevilla may well go all the way as a surprise package if they can repeat performances like last night’s. Arsenal were outclassed albeit with several regulars rested.
- Posted by Red DevilAll that is best in Europe’s elite competition? A team who have qualified with two games to spare sends a reserve side to spain and take part in an entertaining game that would have been entirely different had Arsenal needed to win.
- Posted by WarrenThe group stage remains a long, generally predictable slog with interest only sparking once the competition reaches the quarter-finals (and not even then if it’s Liverpool v Chelsea again).
I agree RD, Arsenal were outclassed. Yeah they had some players rested but take nothing away from Sevilla, they looked superb. Luis Fabiano looks a very good player, I wonder how long it will be before Premiership players start sniffing around?
It was a thrilling encounter and it is good to see two sides going into a game and attacking. I’m sure Sevilla enjoyed it too - no doubt like Arsenal they will get teams going to their place and putting eleven men behind the ball.
- Posted by Betting BloggerArsenal lacked the experience in midfield and “lost it” after giving away a silly goal. Nevertheless before then they’d been running Sevilla ragged, passing the ball around them without any effort at all. Sevilla may have shown a lot of spirit to take the opportunity to come back as they did, but the fact remains that Arsenal handed them that opportunity on a plate.
- Posted by MattAs a Sevilla supporter, I think that everybody enjoyed the game yesterday. The football seen on this match was superb and any of the teams could deserve the win after the first 10 minutes. I hope we see each other again! meanwhile, we need to beat Slavia to get the first place in the group.
- Posted by carlosUmm what? no way can Sevilla win it winning the UEFA cup is one thing but youre playing with the big boys in CL. What I saw at Emirates when both teams were at full strength should the depth in class between Arsenal and Sevilla, analysed theres a reason why Arsenal play in CL on a constant basis. If people think Sevilla played well they should really look at the game possesion favoured Arsenal for majority of the game and with so many irregular players not knowing each other that well there fluid passing game at times was lost. Sevilla cannot seriously be thinking they can win on that dodgy performance against a VERY under strengthed Arsenal side who had only 3 regular starters. I say very because the whole midfield and backline was totally new. Correct me if l’m wrong but you don’t judge teams on one game against weakened opposition.
- Posted by DeonAs much as it pains me to say, Arsenal will win the champions league this season.
- Posted by Five TimesI agree with Matt who says “Arsenal handed them that opportunity on a plate.”
The inexperience showed.
But we must remember, Arsenal had some key players rested, some injured. Arsenal in full strength would have been a totally different side. The Gunners had beaten Sevilla 3-0 at the Emirates in their earlier meeting. So that answers the question, on who will stop Sevilla.
I agree Sevilla can be a surprise package at this year’s Champions league, they are in good form. But their domestic form has not been as great this season.
Arsenal on the other hand has had a superb season in all forms of championships this season. So I would rate them higher than Sevilla on that respect.
But again, good game it was, and congratulations Sevilla for doing what no team has done so far this season, being the first team to beat the Gunners.
- Posted by Nachiket KelkarArsenal had already qualified and left out alot of players,seville have no chance of winning the champions league,they played well against a 2nd string arsenal team,when they both played their full teams arsenal won 3-0. its ridiculous to even think that seville will win the competition
- Posted by markarsenal all the way
- Posted by spinaltapnot that sevilla is bad, i just have my loyalties with arsenal.
- Posted by spinaltap