1-1: A POINT AT BALAÍDOS TO ROUND OFF 2022

Sevilla FC brought a difficult calendar year to a close with a 1-1 draw away at RC Celta.

The hosts began the match on the front foot and took the lead, and would go on to dominate the final few minute against a 10-man Sevilla after José Ángel was dismissed.

However, Sevilla dominated the majority of the second half, with Kike Salas scoring his first goal for the club with an equaliser just after half time. There were chances for a second, but the points were shared. 

With a number of defenders injured or suspended, Sampaoli opted to play Gudelj between academy players José Ángel and Kike Salas for his three-man defence, with Navas and Acuña at wing-back.

On a windy night in the north-west, the team looked to be in control early on, keeping hold of the ball and getting men forward. However, Marchesín was not tested during the first half. The closest Sevilla got was via a Jesús Navas cross, but Mingueza got the better of Rafa Mir and cleared it to safety. 

Celta then took charge of the game, with the first warning shot coming via Larsen who fired narrowly wide. Mingueza was next up, but Gudelj would deny him with a timely block. However, they would convert their next chance, when Iago Aspas' through ball released Gabri Veiga, who went clean through on goal and finished with aplomb. 

José Ángel was dismissed late on and is suspended for next week's clash with Getafe

However, the second half could not have been more different. Lamela replaced En-Nesyri, but the formation remained the same. Sevilla came out on the front foot and began to dominate the encounter.

Although the first chance fell to the hosts, with Larsen going close on the counter and being denied by Bono, the majority fell our way. Lamela came agonisingly close to an equaliser, but Marchesín was on hand to tip the ball wide.

However, Sevilla would score from the resulting corner. Jordán whipped his corner towards the near post and Kike Salas converted with a bullet header - his first goal for the club. 

Sevilla grew in confidence and then had two big chances to complete the turnaround, both thanks to Acuña. The left-back nearly scored a sensational goal from near the corner flag, but Marchesín got just enough on the ball to tip it over the bar.

The Argentine then went close from distance, with the rebound falling kindly for Óliver Torres, who could only fire over the bar.

We would not create any further chances, and would go down to ten men late on when José Ángel brought down Iago Aspas whilst on a booking. Celta went close to a late winner via Carles Pérez and De la Torre, but the goal was not forthcoming.

The team round off 2022 with a point, and will face Getafe in the league next weekend, on 8th January.