0-0: GOALLESS DRAW AGAINST AS ROMA TO END THE TRAINING CAMP IN LAGOS

31/07/2021

After an exciting first half, Sevilla FC played the last thirty minutes a man down after Gudelj picked up a double booking

Sevilla FC drew this evening against AS Roma in the second and last friendly in Lagos. In a game which saw a far more active first half, the second half was marked by Gudelj seeing red for two yellow cards in the 65th minute. A positive to take was that far from feeling the numerical inferiority, Sevilla did not have much trouble and even came closer to the winning goal than their opponents.

Julen Lopetegui employed the three-at-the-back system he has been employing so far in preseason. It worked as the team dominated the start to the game, surprising Roma. In the opening minutes, Ocampos and Suso both sent warnings at the Roma goal. José Mourinho's men, loyal to his style, looked to win the ball back and hit Sevilla on the counter - but Sevilla were the most dangerous in this regard with Rakitić winning the ball back, feeding it to Óscar who put his shot over the bar.

Roma would hit back through a similar sequence which saw Mkhitaryan put one-on-one with Dmitrović. Fortunately, the Serbian was on hand to deny the Armenian. Sevilla's superior start began to slow but they continued to present danger. En-Nesyri had two clear chances, both thanks to through balls from Suso. His first shot hit Fuzato's legs, while Kumbulla turned his second effort behind for a corner. Carles Pérez had a wicked free-kick in injury time, but Dmitrović displayed some fantastic reflexes to turn the ball around the post.

Dmitrović responded perfectly to two Roma chances

Lopetegui brought on Pedro Ortiz for Fernando in the only change at the break and soon after the game would see its best chance. En-Neysri hit the ball on the volley and it went inches wide of Rui Patricio's goal. Sevilla came out strongest but Gudelj's double booking, of which the first was rather harsh, forced a change in plans. Lopetegui brought on Pablo Pérez and Iván. Roma only had one more opening which didn't even end up as a chance as Óscar stole the ball from Zaniolo as he closed down on Dmitrović.

Sevilla return home after a week in Portugal and will begin the last week of preseason on Monday which ends in Friday's trip to Birmingham for Saturday's friendly against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Only 14 days remain until La Liga begins with a home match on 15 August against Rayo Vallecano.

GAME SUMMARY

SEVILLA FC: Dmitrovic, José Ángel, Gudelj, Rekik, Jesús Navas, Ocampos (Pablo Pérez, 70'), Fernando (Pedro Ortiz, 46'), Rakitic, Suso (Juanlu, 88'), Óscar Rodríguez (Johansson, 90+1') and En-Nesyri (Iván Romero, 70').

GOALS: None.

REFEREE: Nuno Almeida. Yellows for Kumbulla and Diawara. Gudelj sent off for a double booking.