By ADAM TROXTELL
With a goal from the trip to Spain and the return of several players suspended for the first leg, Zenit St. Petersburg retains at least some momentum in today’s Europa League quarterfinal second leg.
Hulk, Danny, Domenico Criscito and Igor Smolnikov all return for Zenit to face Sevilla after being suspended for the first leg, a 2-1 loss to the Europa League holders. But that away goal, plus the continued return to health of midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, has given Zenit a few reasons to be optimistic in overcoming the deficit.
Fiorentina is also hoping to benefit from a late equalizer in Kiev last week against Dynamo Kyiv. Khouma El Babacar’s stoppage time strike handed the Italian side a slight advantage for the return leg, but he is now doubtful for the match after twisting his knee over the weekend.
Napoli faces an easier home leg after triumphing 4-1 against Wolfsburg in Germany last week. As if a three goal deficit wasn’t enough, Wolfsburg will also be without Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne for the second leg. Finally, there’s everything to play for between two of the competition’s remaining minnows as Dnipro hosts Club Brugge after a scoreless first leg.
If you will be watching today’s Europa League action, feel free to leave your thoughts, opinions, and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action.
3:05 p.m. – Fox Sports 1 – Zenit vs. Sevilla
3:05 p.m. – Fox Sports 2 – Napoli vs. Wolfsburg
3:05 p.m. – ESPN 3 – Dnipro vs. Club Brugge
3:05 p.m. – ESPN 3 – Fiorentina vs. Dynamo Kiev
Napoli, Fiorentina and Sevilla through to the semis.
The 4th semi-finalist is TBD, between Dnipro and Club Brugge.
Old Fredua Koranteng Adu with his second straight start… went 74 mins and was subbed off after his team took the lead in the 71st min… I sitll believe in you Freddy…
Naaaaapooliii
??? Is going to lose 3-0…. :o)
and still qualify :o)