Sevilla Through to Champions League Last-16 on Munir's Last-Gasp Winner

Munir El Haddadi gave Sevilla 10 points through four games and enough cushion with two matches to spare.

KRASNODAR, Russia (AP) — Munir El Haddadi scored in the final minute of stoppage time as Sevilla defeated Krasnodar 2-1 to reach the knockout round of the Champions League on Tuesday.

El Haddadi scored the late winner with a shot from inside the area to give Sevilla 10 points in Group E. Chelsea also advanced with 10 points after winning 2-1 at Rennes. Krasnodar and Rennes stayed at one point each after four matches.

Ivan Rakitic put Sevilla ahead four minutes into the match with a shot from outside the area after the ball was cleared from the box by Krasnodar defender Kaio. The hosts equalized with Wanderson’s strike from close range, with Sevilla defender Jules Koundé unable to block it at the goal line.

Krasnodar had struggled to create significant chances and its first shot on target came late in the first half. It had one of its best chances shortly after the break when Rémy Cabella’s shot at the open net hit the post after being redirected by Koundé as he slid in front of the goal.

Sevilla had won only one of its last 11 away matches in the group stage of the Champions League. The defending Europa League winner is making its first Champions League appearance since the 2017-18 season, when it was eliminated by Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.

Right at the death, Munir wins it for Sevilla! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/WM6JP0U9Ge

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 24, 2020

Sevilla had rallied from two goals down to win 3-2 in its match against Krasnodar in Seville despite playing the entire second half with 10 men because of a red card to Jesús Navas.

Navas was one of the several Sevilla players not available Tuesday because of injuries and the coronavirus. Carlos Fernández and goalkeeper Bono had tested positive for COVID-19, as did Krasnodar goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Sevilla also lost Sergio Escudero because of a injury in the 60th. The Spanish defender left the field on a stretcher.

Sevilla had won only one of its last six matches before beating Krasnodar at home. Since then, it earned consecutive Spanish league victories over Osasuna and Celta Vigo.

It was in Krasnodar that Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui was fired from Spain’s national team before the 2018 World Cup for taking a job with Real Madrid without telling the Spanish soccer federation.