First team

1-1: A GOOD RESULT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

31/01/2018
The tie will be decided in the Sánchez-Pizjuán, after a 1-1 draw saw Sevilla FC perform admirably, though unable to kill the game in the first-half

A 1-1 draw between Sevilla FC and Leganés in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque. A good result on paper, though Sevilla will leave with a bitter-sweet taste in the mouth, knowing the chances were there to kill the game early on. A beautiful opener from Luis Muriel was cancelled out ten minutes after the second-half began, with Siovas challenging Sergio Rico on his line and heading-in to the indignation of the Nervionenses' keeper. Neither side would have the chances to find a winner late on.  

With a starting eleven that has become something of a trademark for Vincenzo Montella, Sevilla came out in the Butarque with conviction. The visiting side dominated in the early-goings and only the efforts of Champagne kept the deadlock unbroken in Sevilla's first attacks. Sevilla waited for Leganés on the counter, breaking quickly when the ball was won and looking dangerous when flooding into the opponent's half.

A textbook first-half for Sevilla FC, with only the efforts of Champagne keeping Leganés' hopes alive in the tie

Muriel would find a deserved opener after twenty minutes. Having won the ball high in the Leganés half, Banega would find Sarabia, whose through-ball would leave the Colombian striker with a tight-angle to overcome. But overcome it he would, with a glancing strike that would find the inside of the Leganés post. 

Mercado, Correa, Lenglet and Muriel again would have chances to widen the margin but an on-form Champagne would keep the host's hopes alive heading into half-time. Sevilla one up and looking dangerous. 

Sevilla came out well in the second-half, though an unfortunate equaliser ten minutes from the restart would give Leganés a lifeline in the tie

But come the restart, the clear superiority Sevilla showed in the first-half was not as pronounced, even if the Nervionenses continued to look comfortable in build-up play and dangerous on the counter. Playing with directness and speed when tight defensive lines re-won possession, all the conviction and strength Sevilla had shown would be cruelly undone with a bizarre equaliser from Leganés. Siovas would win a physical battle with Sergio Rico to win a looping ball in the Sevilla six-yard box, and Leganés would have their lifeline in the tie. 

The equaliser gave the hosts encouragement, though Sevilla still showed spirit in attack - clearly not happy with a credible away draw in the first-leg. But as the game broke down and became scrappier, neither side had the chances to find a first-leg winner. Ultimately a good result - as now the tie will be decided in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán - but Sevilla will come away with the feeling of a missed opportunity. Next Wednesday gives them an immediate chance to make amends.