Everton have given themselves every chance of moving through to the Europa League Round of 16 with a 4-1 win over Young Boys on Thursday night.
Romelu Lukaku struck a hat-trick as the Toffees came from behind to beat the Swiss side in Bern to all but book their berth in the next phase of Europe's second tier club competition.
Guillaume Hoarau gave Young Boys the lead in the 10th minute but Roberto Martinez's side struck back less than 15 minutes later through Lukaku who headed home Gareth Barry's cross.
Seamus Coleman had the visitors ahead in the 28th minute when glancing in Steven Naismith's pass before Lukaku grabbed a second six minutes before the break.
The Belgian striker completed his treble just before the hour-mark with a cool lofted finish to give Everton a three-goal lead before John Stones was sent off for bringing Hoarau down in the area only for the Frenchman to fire over the bar from the penalty spot.
In the end, however, it was an impressive performance from the Merseysiders who will be feeling confident going into the return bout at Goodison Park next week.
2014/15 UEFA Europa League - Round of 32
Young Boys (SUI): 1 (Guillaume Hoarau 10') Everton (ENG): 4 (Romelu Lukaku 24'/39'/58', Seamus Coleman 28', red card: John Stones 62') Stade de Suisse, Bern, Switzerland
