2-0: GOOD WORK AND FOCUS IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE PRE-SEASON

After an excellent finish to the season, with the memorable seventh UEFA Europa League achieved in Budapest, Sevilla FC were on point in the first pre-season test. Immersed in an intense week of work at the Montecastillo facilities, those from Seville and Córdoba went head to head behind closed doors where José Luis Mendilibar's team picked up their first pre-season win. After a goalless first half, with several notable chances for Sevilla, the team continued their pursuit of the elusive goal, which Isaac Romero soon delivered after some individual work. The last action of the game saw Lamela convert the definitive goal from 12 yards.

Sevilla's first warning would come from Rony Lopes' shot, forcing keeper Carlos Marín into action. An aerial duel saw Sevilla with the ball close to the opposition's box. Rafa Mir and Óscar Rodríquez both tried their luck from the 18-yard box with two shots that were also parried from Carlos Marín. Now at the halfway point of the first half and with the game more balanced, Óscar Rodriquez attempted to take advantage of a mistake made by the opposition keeper to put his team ahead on the scoreboard. After a short water break, Sevilla were incessantly looking to penetrate the opposition's backline but without any real conviction in the final third. 

In the second half, José Luis Mendilibar substituted the whole starting 11

Now in the second half, with a series of changes for both teams, typical of the pre-season, in order to give a fair share of the minutes among all the players, Mendilibar's boys didn't let up, creating more dangerous changes from both wings. Iván Ania's team, staying focused and a strong defensive line, were working hard to keep the score level. An active and constantly dangerous Isaac Romero was causing problems for Córdoba throughout the second half and soon went close with a powerful shot that brushed the side of the post. Next to try his luck with a powerful shot was Papu Gómez. Coming in from the left-hand side of the 18-yard box, Papu's shot was tipped over the top by second-half keeper, Lluís. 

Taking advantage of a Januzaj assist and after leaving the Córdoba backline behind, Isaac Romero wouldn't falter in one-on-one with Lluís, putting Sevilla FC into the lead. Going beneath the keeper, a cool and calm finish from Romero was what the team deserved. In the final stretch of the game, Matías Árbol stretched to keep out a well-placed effort from Simo. With the game all but finished, Lamela would seal the win from the penalty spot, doubling the Sevilla advantage. Notably, players such as Rakitic, Suso, Pedrosa, Rekik and Marcao were left out in order to share the workload during this first week of the pre-season. Likewise, Dmitrovic and José Ángel Carmona, after having recently joined the team, were also left out. 

MATCH SUMMARY

2. SEVILLA FC: Alberto F., Montiel, Nianzou, Pedro Ortiz, Augustinsson, Joan Jordán, Manu Bueno, Rony Lopes, Tecatito, Óscar R y Rafa Mir. Minutos también para Matías, Gattoni, Fernando, Kike Salas, Juanlu, Delaney, Óliver Torres, Januzaj, Lamela, Papu Gómez, and Isaac. 

0. CÓRDOBA CF: Carlos Marín, Kike Márquez, Carlos Albarrán, Matías, Gudelj, Cristian Delgado, Diarrá, Carracedo, Adilson Mendes y Antonio Casas. Minutos también para Lluís, Calderón, Lapeña, Simo, Rubén García, Óscar Jiménez, Álex Jiménez, Álex Sala, Jan, Adrián Vázquez and Marc Esteban. 

GOALS: 1-0: Isaac Romero, min. 71. 2-0: Lamela, min 91.

REFEREE: Javier Sánchez Carreras. Yellow cards for Gattoni, Álex Sala and Simo.