In a cauldron of an atmosphere at theRamón Sánchez-Pizjuán we secured a derby day win against Real Betis. In a brilliant team performance, García Pimienta's team secured our third win in a row in Nervión ahead of the international break. After a first half in which Ejuke had a goal disallowed for offside, Lukebakio scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot in a game in which we could have got a second, although finished with ten men as Nianzou was sent off right at the end. The win sparked jubilant scenes as Navas was carried around the ground in what was his final derby.
From the opening minute, García Pimienta's men started the game determined to get the win. Forcing Real Betis to stay in their own half for the first fifteen minutes of the match, the home side created a lot of danger on both flanks. Ejuke, after receiving a good pass at the far post from Agoumé, made no mistake after ten minutes to beat Rui Silva, only to see his effort ruled out for offside. The first chance for the away side fell to Vítor Roque but Nyland was alert to make the save. Lukebakio, with a powerful left-footed shot, tried to surprise Rui Silva from long range, but to no avail as the teams went in level at the break.
Ejuke scored to give us the lead, only to see it disallowed for offside
Just as the fans were taking their seats for the second half, Agoumé's shot hit Diego Llorente's arm, and the referee awarded a penalty. Lukebakio stepped up and made not mistake, unleashing scenes of jubilation from the fans at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. With the atmosphere in the stadium reaching fever pitch, García Pimienta's men began to enjoy themselves on the pitch. The high press stifled Pellegrini's team, as Isaac breaking free from his marker was unable to beat Rui Silva. Midway through the second half Bakambu crashed a shot against the woodwork at the near post in what was their first attack of note. The Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán then rose to its feet to welcome captain Navas, who came off the bench as García Pimienta looked to see out the game.
The team continued to attack late on and had chances to score a second. With five minutes to go, Lukebakio was unfortunate to not score again after a move started by Ejuke. The Nigerian dribbled passed the defender and gave the ball to the Belgian player who curled wide. In the end, it wouldn't matter, as we made it three wins in a row in front of a raucous Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.
MATCH DETAILS
1. Sevilla FC: Nyland, Carmona, Badé, Nianzou, Pedrosa (Kike Salas, 79'), Gudelj, Agoumé (Lokonga, 72'), Peque (Suso, 79'), Ejuke (Marcao, 90'), Lukebakio and Isaac (J. Navas, 72').
1. Real Betis: Rui Silva, Rodríguez (Perraud, 86'), Natan, Llorente, Bellerín, Roca (Ruibal, 64'), Cardoso, Abde (Chimi Ávila, 79'), Lo Celso, Fornals, Vitor Roque (Bakambu, 64')
GOALS: 1-0 Lukebakio, 50'.
REFEREE: Martínez Munuera. Yellow cards for Gudelj, Nyland, Carmona, Agoumé, Abde, Natan and Chimy Ávila. Red card for Nianzou.