Kevin Gameiro penalty gives Sevilla 'life' in Europa League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk, says Vitolo

Kevin Gameiro's late penalty gives Sevilla "life" in their Europa League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk, according to fellow goalscorer Vitolo.

The forward's early strike gave Sevilla the perfect start to the first leg in Ukraine but Shakhtar turned things around before half-time through Marlos and Taras Stepanenko.

Sevilla, chasing a third straight Europa League title, pushed for an equaliser after the break and finally got it eight minutes from time, with Gameiro netting from the spot after Vitolo had been fouled.

The Spaniard said of Shakhtar on the Sevilla website: "They have creative players and it is difficult to stop them, but the team has managed to get a draw.

"In the second half we were better and in the end we found the prize of the goal. That will give us life in the tie. I'm happy with the result."

Vitolo, who had been an injury doubt for the match, won the penalty after being fouled by Facundo Ferreyra as he tried to cut inside the defender.

He said: "I got caught on the heel. For me it is a penalty. In these matches the coach always tells us that we must keep a cool head and take advantage."

The one major negative of the evening for Sevilla was a serious knee injury suffered by substitute Michael Krohn-Dehli only 13 minutes after coming onto the pitch.

The Dane appeared to get his studs caught in the turf and was clearly in agony before being carried off on a stretcher.

Vitolo said: "We are sad for him. You could see how the kneecap is out of the knee. But in the next game we will try to dedicate the victory to him.

"He deserves it. He was to be an important player for us and you never want a team-mate to be injured. It is a very serious injury."

Sevilla coach Unai Emery feels the tie is in the balance despite his side's away goals and excellent home form.

He told a press conference: "Both teams have shown that they deserve to be in the semi-finals. Each had its moments and the tie is 50-50."

Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu admitted his players were disappointed but remains optimistic they can reach the final.

He told a press conference: "The final score reflects tonight's game. We created many chances in the first half and could have scored even four goals, not only two.

"In the closing stages of the game we slowed down physically and made a lot of defensive errors, especially on the left flank.

"The players are upset but they must quickly get over this game and understand that we still have good chances. We play well away from home."