Vigo (Spain), Feb 12 (IANS) Sevilla battled Celta Vigo to a 2-2 draw to win the Copa del Rey semi-final clash 6-2 on aggregate to book a date with defending champions FC Barcelona in the final.
Celta held nothing back in their bid to overcome the 0-4 drubbing they suffered in last week’s first leg in Seville, reports Efe.
But the home side’s ambition nearly backfired in the 4th minute, when Iago Aspas lost the ball in midfield, setting up a charge by Sevilla’s Michael Krohn-Delhi, whose shot hit the outside of the net.
Celta controlled the ball, but struggled to get deep against a tenacious Sevilla defence.
In the 35th minute, Aspas scored on a low cross from Orellana to put Celta up 1-0.
The visitors responded and would have equalised before the break had Iborra’s header not grazed off the post.
Celta renewed the pressure in the second half and Sevilla grew increasingly uneasy, even before Aspas scored his second goal of the match to make it 2-0 in the 54th minute.
The nervousness spread to Sevilla coach Umai Emery, who brought on Steven N’Zonzi for Iborra to add muscle in the midfield.
The substitution turned out to be unnecessary as a giveaway by Carles Planas set up Ever Banega’s goal in the 56th minute, which made it 2-1 and shattered Celta’s dream of a comeback.
The 15,000 supporters in the stands at Balaidos stadium grew quiet.
Konoplianka, who came in for Banega in the 71st minute, scored with three minutes left to bring his side level.
This will be the first time Sevilla and Barcelona meet in the final of Copa del Rey.