Champion Sevilla is in trouble after a 1-0 loss to Osasuna in the first leg of UEFA Cup semifinal. In a cagey affair, the match never picked the high tempo as both team struggled to make any clear-cut chances.

Roberto Soldado’s second half header was the only goal that separated the sides but was enough to help Osasuna gain a vital one-goal cushion going into the return leg at Sevilla. This defeat means that Sevilla will now have to score at least two goals in the return leg and also have to hope that they don’t concede against a lowly ranked Osasuna side.

Match officials had a tough day in the office as both Spanish clubs desperate for a win, committed lots of fouls. Osasuna can thank their stars as two of their players were not shown red card after a heated discussion with Sevilla players.

Sevilla’s Carlos Javier Cuellar and Luis Fabiano could also have been sent off after the pair clashed but again referee was out of focus and all 22 players remained on the pitch.

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Euro Sport