In the process, Sevilla has increased the likelihood of a mouth-watering final showdown against fellow Spanish high-flyers Barcelona.

Sevilla could hardly have asked for a better start to this first leg encounter against Depor, storming into a 2-0 lead after just 14 minutes at the Riazor.

Top scorer Frederic Kanoute continued his prolific season with the opener after 12 minutes and Jesus Navas doubled the lead just two minutes later following a counter-attack.

Sevilla did not settle for that though, and a 90th-minute penalty from Luis Fabiano completed what should be a winning scoreline ahead of next month's second leg at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The Andalusian side's convincing win in La Coruna means there is now a good chance they will meet Barcelona in the final, with Frank Rijkaard's men holding a 5-2 lead over Getafe after the home leg of their last four clash.

Barcelona and Sevilla are currently the top two teams in La Liga, with the Catalan side holding a four-point lead as they look to make it three championship titles in succession.