Match reports

0-1: EXQUISITE GANSO BACK-HEEL PUTS GETAFE AWAY

27/08/2017
A crucial victory for Sevilla FC in the notoriously difficult Getafe Coliseum. A match in which Sevilla did not find their best, but did see the quality of Paulo Henrique Ganso, who decided the match seven minutes from time

Starts are never easy. The start for Berizzo's Sevilla has been no different, struggling but eventually managing to end nine years of drought in the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Though it took 83 minutes to beat Guaita, it was in that minute that Ganso, after a cross from Mercado, scored an incredible goal that secured three points.

It was far from easy for Sevilla in the Coliseum, which has been the way for nearly a decade. From early on, Getafe's gameplan was clear, press high and get quickly into Rico's area. Berizzo's did similar with slightly more hesitancy, Navas or Nolito looked for spaces along the wings to find Ben Yedder. However, it was Getafe who clame closest to goal in the first half. Without a doubt, the biggest opportunity was that of Amath, who had just Sergio Rico to beat after the pass of Molina but a failed chip saved Sevilla.

Amath could have made it 1-0 in under quarter of an hour, but his shot in a one-on-one against Sergio Rico went over

Bordalás' team laid siege to Sevilla at times, but Sevilla's centre-backs prevented Getafe from getting spaces in the penalty area. Thankfully, just before the break, the visitors were able to give themselves a bit of a breather. Sevilla threatened the area, though Nolito's dangerous movements couldn't bother Guaita enough.

The start of the second half brought with it the substitution of Nico Pareja - who sustained a groin injury - for Lenglet and a Getafe side who aimed to pick up where they left off. However, their effort took its toll on the Madrid side, who had to turn down the intensity. This allowed Sevilla to find more space, though they still struggled to created chances and make Guaita work. Pizarro was fundamental to the balance of midfield, sitting back and then involving himself in attacks when Sevilla got into the opposition half.

Pareja, who sustained a groin injury, was replaced at half-time by Clement Lenglet

Half way through the second half came a change in attack, with Muriel coming on for Ben Yedder. Sarabia also came on against his former side. Berizzo was looking for pace from the Madrid man to exploit the space, but the idea did not come off. That was until the key attack of the match. There were just seven minutes left when full-back Mercado's cross was met by the back-heel of Ganso, who made it impossible for Guaita.

It was a goal which stunned the blues, who from then on looked for draw more with their heart than their head. In fact, it was closer to 0-2 after a counter-attack of Muriel, who couldn't finish a one-on-one with the Valencian keeper. Sevilla FC left Getafe with three points and took their total to four points before their next clash of the season, which will take place in two weeks, with the visit of Eibar to Nervión.

MATCH SUMMARY

0. GETAFE CF: Guaita, Damián Suárez, Djene, Juan Cala, Antunes, Markel Bergara (Ángel Rodríguez, minute 85), Arambarri (Mora, minute 81), Gaku (Portillo, minute 70), Fajr, Amath and Jorge Molina.

1. SEVILLA FC: Sergio Rico, Mercado, Nico Pareja (Lenglet, minute 46), Kjaer, Escudero, Pizarro, Krohn-Dehli (Pablo Sarabia, minute 69), Jesús Navas, Ganso, Nolito y Ben Yedder (Luis Muriel, minute 63).

GOALS:  0-1, minute 83: Ganso.

OFFICIALS:  Undiano Mallenco. Yellow card for Pablo Sarabia.