Wolverhampton Wanderers – Sevilla: Ocampos Heroics Send Sevilla Through (0-1)

Wolves missed a penalty in the twelfth minute and never recovered, as they slowly drowned in the waves of Sevilla counterpressing. Chance creation was at a premium for the Spanish side against a staunch Wolves defense. But one goal was all they were ever going to need, as Lopetegui’s side laid down another marker on their way to a semi-final meeting with Manchester United. 
Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. 

It has been a long and arduous Europa League campaign for Wolves, who first began their journey in competition qualifying last July. Yet, through an unforgiving defense and unquestionable work ethic they managed to fight their way to the quarter-finals and a date with Sevilla.

An injury to Jonny Otto and a suspension to Daniel Podence in their round of sixteen tie with Olympiakos forced Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo to make changes to his formation and personnel. The adjustments saw the Portuguese manager switch to a 3-5-2 shape, bringing in Rúben Vinagre at wing-back and adding Leander Dendoncker to midfield.

Sevilla’s history in the Europa League lends an added level of pressure to any manager trying to guide the club through the tournament. So when Julen Lopetegui’s side delivered an impressive performance against Roma in the round of sixteen it perhaps came as more of a relief to the Basque skipper.

So dominant was Sevilla’s display against Roma that Lopetegui saw no reason to alter his starting eleven. The Spanish side remained in their typical 4-3-3 formation with . . .