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Suso’s deflected goal gave last season’s Europa League winners an early lead behind closed doors at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan Stadium, but Mahmoud Dahoud soon leveled before Haaland took over.
The Norwegian phenomenon put Dortmund in front in the 27th minute and then scored again two minutes before the break, the goals taking him to 25 in 24 appearances this season in all competitions, and to 18 in just 13 Champions League appearances. from the beginning of the last one. season.
Substitute Luuk de Jong’s late response gave Sevilla cause for hope heading into the second leg on 9 March, but Dortmund remain favorites to advance to the quarter-finals.
Haaland, who also set up Dahoud’s draw, produced a performance, at least in the first half, that showcased his remarkable strength, play and pace, as well as his brilliant finish.
It was too much for a Sevilla that had come into this tie with high hopes, having only been beaten by La Liga leaders Atlético de Madrid at home in their previous 19 matches.
Julen Lopetegui’s team had won their previous nine games on the rebound and had kept seven clean sheets in a row before the arrival of Dortmund and Haaland.
Sevilla have won the Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup, six incredible times since 2005, but only once have they made it past the knockout stages of the Champions League, when they beat Manchester United in 2018 before losing to him. Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
Haaland’s quality made the difference here, as Dortmund, who had slipped to sixth place in the Bundesliga in poor form, came to life on their return to the Champions League.
However, the night started well for Sevilla, with Suso opening the scoring in the seventh minute, his shot deflected towards Mats Hummels.
Dortmund tied in the 19th minute when Haaland showed tremendous strength to hold the ball up from the right before entering the box and feeding Dahoud, who worked his way into position to fire a magnificent high shot into the net from outside the area.
It was the first goal that Sevilla conceded in more than 12 hours of football.
Eight minutes later they conceded again.
Haaland fell deep, picking up possession near the midline, then turned and charged towards the goal, playing a pass to Jadon Sancho on the edge of the area and then continued to put the ball back past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
He scored again two minutes before halftime and scored home for the first time after Marco Reus stole the ball at the feet of Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gómez before charging on goal.
However, Sevilla dominated the second half as Dortmund sat back and the hosts scored a potentially crucial second goal with six minutes remaining.
Oscar Rodriguez’s high, hanging free kick was netted by De Jong, giving them something to hold onto.
as / dj
