Sevilla outlast Leganes to reach Cup final

Published at 05:08 am February 8th, 2018
Last updated at 05:11 am February 8th, 2018

Sevilla recovered from a humiliating loss to Eibar by booking their place in the King's Cup final for a second time in three seasons, beating Leganes 2-0 Wednesday in a semi-final second leg to progress 2-1 on aggregate. Argentine midfielder Joaquin Correa struck the opening goal by slotting a loose ball into an empty net from close range in the 15th minute after Colombian forward Luis Muriel had burst into the area. Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella risked his reputation by playing a weakened team Saturday against Eibar and his side were thrashed 5-1, but his gamble paid off as his side outlasted Leganes and Franco Vazquez smashed into the net from a tight angle in the 89th minute.

Leganés have been brilliant. But in semi final Sevilla deserved to go through.
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) February 7, 2018

Leganes produced a huge shock by knocking out Real Madrid in the previous round and kept fighting but they struggled to create decent openings, managing only one shot at goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who had conceded an embarrassing own goal in the first leg. Triple holder Barcelona visit Valencia Thursday in the other semi-final with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg. The winner will play Sevilla in the final on April 21.

5 - Joaquin Correa has scored more goals than any other La Liga player in Copa del Rey this season. Jewel. pic.twitter.com/ZkNkdEqKMB
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 7, 2018