0-3: A PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE TO SECURE THREE POINTS IN VALLADOLID

The Mendilibar effect continues. Sevilla FC picked up a fourth away league win on the spin in Valladolid with a convincing 3-0 scoreline.

With a massive match against Juventus in four days a time, a heavily-changed side scored all three goals after the break to keep up their strong run of form, and now there is a real possibility of qualifying for Europe via our league position.

The first half was one of few opportunities, but with real chances to score. Rafa Mir flashed a header wide, before Badé had to be at his best to block an effort at the other end. Rafa Mir again went close when he stabbed wide at the far post from a corner.

Valladolid very nearly took the lead on the stroke of half time

Badé would once again block an effort from Escudero, before Rafa Mir came even closer when Masip denied his close-range effort.

There was a highly controversial end to the first half. The allotted four minutes of added time had been played when Monchu saw his low drive blocked by Badé. The referee blew for half time, with Escudero firing the ball home from distance a few seconds later. Of course, the goal was disallowed, which angered the hosts. Most of those in the home dugout promptly took to the pitch to protest, leading to one of their coaching staff being red carded.

Sevilla took control in the second half

It was the visitors who responded better to the decision. Less than five minutes after the interval, Montiel's cross found Rafa Mir, who chested it home to open the scoring. A key moment. 

The team pushed on to try and find a second, with Masip getting down well low to deny Pape Gueye. Badé then headed home from a corner, but it was disallowed for an apparent foul by the defender.

The second goal came as the match was reaching the final straight. Lamela won it back and passed it to Gudelj, who played in Papu Gómez, who rounded the keeper and calmly converted. The assistant flagged for offside, but VAR confirmed that the Argentine was onside.

The best was yet to come as Tecatito, playing in his first match since 12th August after a series of injuries, put the icing on the cake. Papu's cross was brought down tremendously by Fernando before finding the Mexican, who hammered home powerfully.

We head back to Sevilla with three points and, as it stands, are just one point off seventh place with four games remaining. However, it's now time to focus on the big one on Thursday...