Sevilla take major stride towards Europa League final

Seville, May 8 (IANS): Spanish football club Sevilla winger Alex Vidal was the star of the show as the reigning Europa League champions took a massive step towards their second final in two years thanks to a 3-0 win at home to Fiorentina at home.

The winger scored twice and set up the third goal on Thursday in what was a decisive victory. The team were irrepressible in the second half where they threatened to completely roll over the Italians thanks to pace in attack and midfield power and guile of Grzegorz Krychowiak, who broke up numerous Fiorentina attacks, reports Xinhua.

Sevilla went into the game after losing their 34 unbeaten run at home to Real Madrid at the weekend but Unai Emery's side showed no signs of suffering in an entertaining first half.

It turned into an open and entertaining game with Fiorentina creating chances through Chilean forward Matias Fernandez and Joaquin Sanchez, but it was Sevilla who struck first through Vidal, who calmly guided in a shot from the edge of the Fiorentina penalty area.

The Spanish side had kept a high rhythm in the first half and if anything, upped their efforts at the start of the second as well, playing some magnificent football. They were oozing confidence and it was no surprise when Vidal added a second goal seven minutes after the break, although Fiorentina keeper Neto could have done more to have stopped the shot from the right of the area.

The game had to stop following a terrible collision between Stephane M'Bia and Milan Badelj, both of whom had to leave the pitch injured. That could have slowed the game but Sevilla picked it up again and Kevin Gameiro, who had only just replaced Vidal, scored a third.

The win gives Sevilla what should be a decisive advantage going into the second leg.