Europa League: Win takes Sevilla to group top

Sevilla defeated hapless Freiburg 2-0 in a Group H match of the UEFA Europa League.

While Freiburg crashed out of the European competition Thursday, Sevilla moved to the top of the group standings, reports Xinhua.

Vicente Iborra and Raul Rusescu scored for Sevilla.

The hosts lacked in penetration to threaten Sevilla's defence, though they were in control of the proceedings to start with. Only Admir Mehmedi's free kick tested Sevilla's goalkeeper Javi Varas in the 26th minute.

Vladimir Darida nearly caught Varas on the hop when his cross plunked on the bar to surprise the goalkeeper. However, Sevilla were sharper and Vicente Iborra tapped in a low square pass into the box by Diego Perotti in the 39th minute.

Gelson Fernandes had the golden chance to restore parity for Freiburg but he failed to make use of a deflected clearance with only Varas to beat from 10 meters.

Sevilla's second goal came in the stoppage time when Raul Rusescu finished a fast break.

Sevilla lead group H followed by Liberec, Freiburg and Estoril.

"We wasted too many chances whereas Sevilla needed just one to pave the way for the win," Freiburg coach Christian Streich said after the loss.