Man Utd 1-2 Sevilla (Agg: 1-2): Sub Wissam Ben Yedder stuns Old Trafford

By Gerard Brand

Wednesday 14 March 2018 07:52, UK

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League as Sevilla ran out 2-1 winners on the night and on aggregate in their last-16 tie at Old Trafford.

After a turgid first half, Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico kept United out twice with good saves, but the hosts were shaken with 16 minutes remaining as Wissam Ben Yedder netted with a low effort just minutes after coming on.

United needed two goals to progress, but Ben Yedder netted again with a header at the far post moments later, the ball just crossing the line after David de Gea failed to keep it out.

Romelu Lukaku pulled one back from close range with six minutes remaining, but it ended 2-1, with the draw for the last eight on Friday at 11am.

After a goalless first leg, United were lacklustre in the first half as Sevilla failed to take advantage of dangerous situations in the final third.

Rico was troubled only once, as Marouane Fellaini's left-footed shot from an angle was well beaten away, in what was a subdued night from the off at Old Trafford.

United again struggled for any rhythm after the break, and fell behind on 74 minutes as Ben Yedder struck from 18 yards into the bottom corner, with his first touches of the ball.

It was 2-0 just three minutes later, as De Gea flapped at Ben Yedder's far post header from a Joaquin Correa cross, the assistant referee confirming the ball had just crossed the line after hitting the bar.

Chris Smalling missed a clear chance at the far post from Marcus Rashford's free-kick, before Lukaku spurned a chance from close range as Sevilla's defence stood firm.

Lukaku pulled one back with six minutes remaining, slamming home Rashford's corner from six yards, but there was still a chance for Sevilla to grab a third, only for Ben Yedder to see his one-on-one effort blocked by the knees of De Gea.

Opta stats

In two legs, Man Utd registered just four shots on target.
After progressing from the last 16 in five successive seasons - Man Utd have now been eliminated at this stage in two of their last three Champions League campaigns (2012-13 and 2017-18).
This was the first defeat of a Premier League club by a La Liga club in the Champions League in 2017-18, at the ninth attempt (two wins for PL clubs, six draws).
Sevilla attempted 21 shots in this match - the most that Manchester United have allowed an opposition side at Old Trafford in a competitive match since Real Madrid attempted 22 in March 2013 (Champions League).
Wissam Ben Yedder's first goal was the fastest scored by a substitute in the Champions League this season (87 seconds).

Man of the match - Wissam Ben Yedder

The match-winner, the super sub, and the one man who took the game by the scruff of the neck in the final third.

Ben Yedder made his first goal, with his first touches of the ball, look extremely easy. Finishing low into the bottom right corner with a fierce effort, his one piece of quality all but won the game for Sevilla.

His team-mates, Steven N'Zonzi and Clement Lenglet, also deserve a mention.

What's next?

Man Utd now host Brighton on Saturday night in the FA Cup quarter-final, while Sevilla go to Leganes on Sunday at 11am in La Liga, live on Sky Sports Football.