Sevilla fight back to beat Tottenham 2-1

SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Holders Sevilla came from a goal behind to claim a 2-1 win at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg and end the English side's eight-match winning streak in the competition.

Tottenham got off to a dream start when the in-form Robbie Keane put them in front with less than two minutes on the clock.

But Sevilla got back on level terms when former Tottenham striker Frederic Kanoute scored a controversial 19th-minute penalty and Alexander Kerzhakov secured the win when he turned in a header from close range before the break.

The match was marred by some ugly clashes when police intervened against Tottenham fans during the first half.

"I don't think this is enough for us to be sure of getting through," Kanoute told Spanish television station Antena 3.

"I think we needed another goal, but it is a good result considering they scored first.

"I think it is going to be more difficult for us to win it than last year. Tottenham are a very good team and they showed that today. We are going to have to fight very hard to get through."

Tottenham could hardly have got off to a better start when Keane put them in front with his ninth goal in eight games.

The Irish international steered home past Andres Palop at the second attempt after the Sevilla keeper blocked his first shot when he had run on to a clever through ball from fellow striker Dimitar Berbatov.