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Great night for Spanish sides in Europa League

Xinhua, February 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Spain's four sides in Europa League action enjoyed a positive return to the competition on Thursday night.

Defending champions Sevilla had a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Norwegian side Molde thanks to two goals from Fernando Llorente and another from Kevin Gameiro, to virtually assure their place in the next round.

Denis Suarez's 82nd minute goal gave Villarreal a 1-0 win at home to Napoli, who perhaps paid the price for leaving top-scorer Gonzalo Higuain on the sub's bench until the 67th minute of the game.

Valencia will have no worries about their visit to Vienna next week after a 6-0 win at home to Rapid Vienna, which will go a long way to strengthening Gary Neville's position as coach.

The game was over by halftime after two first half goals from Sani Mina, plus strikes from Dani Parejo, Alvaro Negredo and Andre Gomes made it 5-0 by halftime.

Rodrigo's 89th minute goal sealed the win and gave Neville two home triumphs in five days.

Athletic Bilbao were the only side to play away from home and Aritz Aduriz's stunning 30 yard volley gave them a 1-0 win away to Olympique Marseilles to ensure every Spanish side has a magnificent chance of progressing into the last 16. Endi