Sevilla have taken a positive step towards the Europa League final by beating Spanish rivals Valencia 2-0 on Thursday night.
Unai Emery's Sevillistas have given themselves a nice advantage in the semi-final by defeating Los Che by two goals at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan which came courtesy of Stephane Mbia and Carlos Bacca.
Sevilla, who won back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007, struck just after the half-hour mark when QPR loanee Mbia fired home Ivan Rakitic's left-sided free-kick from close range.
Three minutes later and the Sevilla fans were jumping again when Bacca received a ball from Machin Vitolo before rifling a low effort beyond Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita.
Juan Antonio Pizzi's Valencia searched frantically for at least an away goal in the second half but were unable to breach the Seville defence which was led by gloveman Beto.
The loss has Valencia in a precarious position leading into the return bout at the Mestalla next Thursday as the La Liga clubs again prepare to do battle to see who progresses to the Turin final where they will meet either Befica or Juventus.
2013/14 UEFA Europa League semi-final - first leg
Sevilla (SPN): 2 (Stephane Mbia 33', Carlos Bacca 36') Valencia (SPN): 0 Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - 33,496
