In the end, Thursday night was one to forget for Manchester United.
At the half-time break, Erik ten Hag’s side were 2-0 up and cruising thanks to a brace from January signing Marcel Sabitzer.
But during the second period of play inside Old Trafford, things unraveled somewhat for United.
Not only did Sevilla eventually level the scores at 2-2 thanks to two (yes, TWO) late own goals, but the Red Devils lost their warrior Lisandro Martinez to a serious-looking injury.
The Argentine defender, who has been a revelation since joining Ajax in the summer, got his studs caught in the turf and was very clear in absolute agony as a result.
Video: Martinez’s injury vs Sevilla
— 🔪 (@lichafiles) April 13, 2023
Martinez could not leave the field of play by his own accord, such was the extent of the injury.
So in an act of great sportsmanship, Sevilla duo Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna helped their stricken international comrade of the pitch.
@SIRDlV pic.twitter.com/JNJyw8fDGq
— @SIRDLV (@bggfchj) April 13, 2023
Lisandro Martinez carried off by two Sevilla players after going down on the ball with nobody around him.
Looks a very worrying injury. pic.twitter.com/nvaiecFNSe
— Sean Kearns (@SeanPaulKearns) April 13, 2023
Fair play, lads.
After he had been helped to the side of the pitch, Martinez appeared to break into tears, before being put onto a stretcher.
Lisandro Martinez might be done for the season 😫#MUFC pic.twitter.com/ScEbxwxfmq
— 𝖘𝖆𝖇 (@jupiterfaces) April 13, 2023
We hope it’s not as serious as it looks, Lisandro.
As well as losing Martinez to a potentially season-ending injury, United lost Raphael Varane at the break after he picked up a knock in the opening 45. He was replaced by club captain Harry Maguire.
Maguire then went on to score the second own goal in stoppage-time, an unfortunate moment which sums up his horrendous luck at club level of late – and the Red Devils’ horrendous luck on the night.
EQUALISER 🤯
Sevilla come from 2-0 behind against Man Utd to level the tie! 🔥#UEL pic.twitter.com/nFuFeYvik2
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 13, 2023
So for the second leg in Seville, United are likely to be without their first-choice centre-back pairing.
And they will certainly not be able to call on inspirational playmaker, Bruno Fernandes.
Why’s that? Well, the Portuguese was harshly yellow carded for a handball, which means he is suspended for the match in Spain next week.
Ouch.