Spanish duo look for Europa League final

Two Spanish sides are in Europe League action on Thursday night as Villarreal and Sevilla hope to force an all-Spanish final for the second time in four years.

Reigning Europa League champions, Sevilla face a difficult first leg in their semifinal as they travel to the Ukraine to play Shakhtar Donetsk.

Unai Emery's side reached the last four following a nail-biting penalty shoot out against Athletic Club Bilbao and have struggled all season with their away form.

Emery's side are the only team in the five main European leagues who have failed to win a league game away from their Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, where they are virtually unbeatable and where they took a morale boosting win at home to neighbors, Betis on Sunday.

Ever Banega will return to the side after missing the second leg of the quarterfinal and Kevin Gameiro will be their main threat in attack.

Villarreal face an enthralling game at home to Liverpool, who qualified for the semis in miraculous style against Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool fans will be in good spirits following the findings in the investigation into the Hillsborough tragedy, which ruled on Tuesday that the 96 people who died in that incident in 1989 were the victims of "unlawful killing", while on the field their side will be without the injured Jordan Henderson and Mamadou Sakho, who is under investigation after a possible positive drugs test.

Villarreal meanwhile will look to the pace of striker Cedric Bakambu and the experienced Roberto Soldado to lead their attack with Spain international Bruno Soriano pulling the strings in midfield.

The Spanish side play cool controlled football which will provide a fascinating contrast with the passion of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, but Villarreal will want a lead to take to Anfield next week.

Source: XINHUA