Home wins in Europa League semis for Benfica, Sevilla

"We still have time to turn this tie around, and I really think that we are going to do that," said a disappointed Tevez

"It was great to score that goal. We got a good result tonight, though it might have been even better if we had taken all our chances," said Garay (centre).

Juventus lost 2-1 at Benfica on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, while Sevilla thumped Valencia 2-0 in the other all-Spanish semi.

In Lisbon, defender Ezequiel Garay gave Benfica the lead after just three minutes by heading in a corner from Miralem Sulejmani.

Juventus gradually took control in midfield and Carlos Tevez equalised for them 16 minutes from time with a handsome dribble and shot, leaving two defenders on the floor in his wake.

But just when the Italian champions seemed to be heading for a good result, super sub Rodrigo Lima made it 2-1 to the hosts six minutes from time after being set up by the impressive Lazar Markovic.

Juventus are keen to reach the final, which will be staged in their own new stadium on May 14. Benfica lost last season's final 2-1 against Chelsea.

Meanwhile in the other semi-final, Sevilla beat Spanish rivals Valencia 2-0 at home in a one-sided clash, on first-half goals from Stephane Mbia and Carlos Bacca.

Mbia gave Sevilla the lead in the 33rd minute with a clever back-heel after the Valencia defence had failed to clear a free-kick - and despite a strong suspicion of offside.

Five minutes later, Bacca, who is enjoying a tremendous season, made it 2-0 with a low drive after playing a clever one-two with Vitolo.

Sevilla, who are in astonishing form in the Spanish Liga, missed good chances to score a third goal in the second half, whilst at the other end Valencia's Eduardo Vargas headed against the crossbar.

Valencia's young striker Paco Alcacer will be suspended for the second leg, after received a rather harsh yellow card.