Fenerbahce vs Sevilla

Fenerbahce will be looking to cancel out a 2-0 deficit when they encounter Sevilla in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Fenerbahce may have an uphill task on their hands, but a three-game winning home streak by an aggregate score of 11-2 could inspire an unlikely comeback. Indeed, they’ve been too hot to handle in Istanbul even on the European stage, going unbeaten in 17 of their last 18 home matches in major UEFA competitions (W11, D6), including all three in this season’s Europa League group phase (W2, D1). Moreover, the Turkish heavyweights have never lost a home game in UEFA knockout ties (W6, D3), reinforcing their hopes of pulling off a second-leg comeback in the Europa League knockouts for the first time at the third attempt. Worryingly, though, Jorge Jesus’ men have lost their last two European meetings with Sevilla after winning their first encounter in 2008.

On the other hand, Europa League specialists Sevilla have progressed from ten of their 11 two-legged ties in Europe’s second-tier competition when winning the first leg. That should fill them with confidence as they bid to better last season’s last-16 exit and give a troubled Andalusian faithful something to cheer for in these uncertain times. Jorge Sampaoli’s side came from behind to beat Almeria 2-1 at home last weekend and move two points clear of the La Liga relegation zone. However, they’re seemingly facing a season-long fight against the drop, highlighting the importance of going the distance in Europe. On a more positive note, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ are unbeaten in their last six UEFA encounters against Turkish clubs (W5, D1), netting an intimidating average of three goals per game in the process.