A two-goal comeback, two red cards, a penalty saved and a screamer to rescue a point. It certainly wasn't your standard game of football this Saturday in the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Coming back from two goals down to rescue a draw against Villarreal, Sevilla robbed the yellows of three big points in a show of true character. Goals from Nolito and Nzonzi - the latter: one of the finest goals Nervión has seen this season - cancelled out Raba and Bacca's goals for the visitors. Frantic action and just enough to come away with something.
Sevilla certainly found it tough to get into the game, with European fatigue clearly a factor from Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final. But, bit by bit, the home side found their feet. Dominating possession, Sevilla would only concede chances on the break - though Villarreal looked dangerous when finding spaces in behind the Nervionenses' backline. Just before 20 minutes had passed, David Soria was called into action to deny Cheryshev in a one on one and Sevilla responded with a Vázquez header that was well held by Villarreal's man between the sticks.
Villarreal's opener would deflate the home side after a tight opening half an hour
Despite a lively half an hour, Sevilla would be deflated by a Villarreal opener. After a long spell of possession for the visitors, a floated ball to Soria's back-post would find Raba who would release a bullet header. A scrambling Soria would not be able to keep it out. Looking instantly to respond, Sevilla were left extremely frustrated when denied a crystal clear penalty for a foul on Ever Banega. To rub salt in the wounds, the Argentine was booked for simulation. Huge frustration in the Sánchez Pizjuán with the Nervionenses heading in one down at half-time.