ACADEMY PRODUCT OSO LIVING THE DREAM AFTER FIRST-TEAM BOW

In addition to qualifying for the Copa del Rey Round of 32, the other big news of the night was the debut of Joaquín Martínez Gauna, better known as Oso, for the first team against Atlético Astorga. The Uruguayan coach Diego Alonso gave the academy player his first taste of first-team action, introducing him as a 90th minute substitute in place of fellow prospect Manu Bueno. 

Despite a brief debut at the Municipal "La Eragudina" Stadium, Oso is far from an unknown quantity among Sevilla fans. The 20-year-old has put in an extraordinary campaign so far for Sevilla Atlético this season, who currently lead Group 4 of the Segunda RFEF as well as remaining undefeated without conceding a single goal at the fortress Estadio Jesús Navas. He has played a crucial role under both Antonio Hidalgo and Jesús Galván having switched from being a winger to a full-back. This season's stats show his success, recording two goals and an assist from left-back and forming part of the strongest defence in the league.

His eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed by the first-team coaches and he has now been rewarded with a first-team appearance. In his own words, "it is a dream come true, I've been waiting for this moment all my life. But it's important that I keep working hard so that more opportunities come my way." Our academy is as strong as ever, demonstrating its ever increasing importance within the club.