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Thursday, May 3, 2007

FC Sevilla 2-0 Osasuna


SEVILLE, Spain, May 3 (Reuters) - Holders Sevilla set up an all-Spanish UEFA Cup final against Espanyol after goals by Brazilians Luis Fabiano and Renato earned a 2-0 win over Primera Liga rivals Osasuna on Thursday.


Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Sevilla took advantage of a pressure-cooker atmosphere at the Sanchez Pizjuan to turn the heat on the visitors and were rewarded when Luis Fabiano scored eight minutes before the break.Renato made it 2-0 with a deft finish early in the second half and although Osasuna gave them a couple of isolated scares the hosts remained in charge.The victory means coach Juande Ramos's side are on course to become the first team since Real Madrid in 1986 to make a successful defence of the UEFA Cup. They are also still in with a chance of winning the league and the King's Cup.'Getting to two consecutive finals is an achievement which is within reach of very few teams and we've done it,' Ramos told reporters.'I hope we can play well and win the UEFA Cup again, that would cap everything.'Sevilla put Osasuna under intense pressure from the off, striker Luis Fabiano and winger Antonio Puerta firing over the bar.Osasuna defender Carlos Cuellar had to react quickly to steal the ball off Frederic Kanoute's toe when the Sevilla striker looked certain to turn in a cross on the half hour.But as Osasuna seemed as though they might weather the storm, Luis Fabiano found a way through their determined defence.The Brazilian beat Cuellar, who slipped to the ground, brought the ball down with his toe and fended off Jose Izquierdo before stabbing a low shot under keeper Ricardo.There was no respite for Osasuna after the break, midfielder Renato going close in the opening minute with a fierce long-range effort as the home team pressed.Renato was on target in the 53rd minute when he guided the ball into the net on the volley after defender Daniel Alves had spotted his run into the area.Osasuna almost cut short the celebrations when striker Pierre Webo headed against the post and substitute Valdo forced a sharp save from Andres Palop with a dipping volley.But Sevilla remained on top, Alves having two good chances to add a third before the home crowd exploded with delight at the final whistle.The only sour note for the holders was the booking received by French defender Julien Escude which puts him out of the final in Glasgow on May 16 and a suspected thigh muscle tear suffered by Brazilian midfielder Adriano Correia.

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