The Russian league leaders scored first in Spain but Carlos Bacca and the Barcelona loanee ensured a first-leg advantage for Unai Emery’s men.
The reigning champions fell behind to Alexander Ryazantsev’s 29th-minute opener at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Thursday and for a long while looked set to face the prospect of having to overhaul a deficit in Russia next week.
Carlos Bacca – introduced with 26 minutes remaining – nodded in a 73rd-minute equaliser before Barcelona loanee Denis Suarez struck a stunning volley to settle the contest. Suarez’s thumping 87th-minute strike came from outside the penalty area and sparked wild celebrations as Sevilla grabbed a late win that gives them the upper hand heading into next Thursday’s second leg.
Zenit – who were without Russian Premier League top scorer Hulk and first-team regulars Danny, Domenico Criscito and Igor Smolnikov through suspension – do have an all-important away goal to their name, though. Sevilla controlled the early stages but it was the visitors who created the first real opening when Oleg Shatov saw a fierce effort saved by Sergio Rico.
Shatov’s chance spurred Zenit on and Ryazantsev was only inches away from giving them a 19th-minute lead when he nodded Milan Rodic’s excellent cross just wide. Ryazantsev did get the opener 10 minutes later, though, with a superb follow-up effort delighting the small group of travelling supporters.
Emery made two half-time substitutions in a bid to liven his side, as Suarez and Stephane M’Bia replaced Coke and Vicente Iborra.
But it was another substitute who levelled proceedings, as Bacca nodded in from three yards following Vidal’s superb delivery. Vidal beat Garay to cross from the byline and Bacca met it sweetly, as Nicolas Lombaerts – stood on the goal line – could only watch it fly in.
The hosts could have even scored a third, with Neto clearing a late Bacca effort as they finished strongly.
