Sevilla's chances of retaining the UEFA Cup title have been shook as the Spaniards have been held to a home draw by Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar. It has hard luck on Sevilla, who have dominated the large portions of the match and looked to be cruising towards a comfortable win when Marti scored the opener from the spot in the 7th minute, but some wise football and also some luck have helped the Ukrainians turn the score around, as Matuzalem has put them ahead with a 60th minute penalty. The visitors' hopes of taking home more than an away goal advantage were shattered in the 88th minute, as Maresca scored from the third penalty of the game to restore some hope for his team.

As expected, Sevilla have started the game with a mixed lineup, as non regular players such Marti, Alfaro, Duda and Kerzhakov have started, while the visitors have opened the match with their strongest available lineup. However, this did not prevent the home side from making a strong opening, and their stormy attacks have resulted in Kerzhakov getting an early penalty, which was confidently converted by Marti. Shortly after the opener, the Spaniards have had a chance to kill off the game, as Alfaro shot narrowly wide from a fantastic position, and was punished for his miss as Hubschman scored for Shakhtar from the first chance of the match they've had. Sevilla have lost a lot in the terms of confidence after conceding, but have nevertheless created a few scoring chances before the half time break, but Navas, Kerzhakov and Alves were both unlucky not to have scored. Home manager Juande Ramos reacted by introducing Maresca from the bench, and the Italian gave the home side a much needed spark of creativity. Luis Fabiano and Puerta have both had great scoring chances before late in the game, when substitute Gay brought down Maresca in the area and allowed him to equalize from the spot.

It was hard luck on Sevilla, who perhaps haven't put on a performance of their usual standard, but definately did not deserve to concede two goals in this fixture. The result puts the Spaniards in a very uncomfortable position ahead of the second leg, and it seems that coach Ramos will have to use his best lineup in the second leg in order for Sevilla to advance. On the other side, Shakhtar have to be given credit for playing a very smart and disciplined game, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the next round in the home leg, where they'll be boosted by the return of key striker Mareca.

Not much has changed in the flow of the game after the side change, as the Spaniards, who now had midfielder Adriano in the lineup, were looking for their second goal but have found it hard to get pass Shakhtar's stubborn defence. And once again, the Ukrainians have scored from the first opportunity they got, as Alves' brought down Bielik in the area with a careless challenge, and Matuzalem made no mistake from the spot.