2-1: SEVILLA FALL TO A LATE DEFEAT AT MONTILIVI

Sevilla FC fell to a late, painful defeat away at Girona this afternoon.

Sampaoli's side got off to a shaky start, but took the lead inside the first quarter of an hour when Nianzou headed home from a Rakitic cross. 

However, Girona equalised within a minute of the second half getting underway thanks to a Stuani strike, before a mistake by Nianzou allowed Yangel Herrera to score an 88th-minute winner. 

The result means that Sevilla could fall into the relegation zone if Espanyol and Cádiz get results later this weekend.

The team did not start the match well at all, with Girona having three chances within the first six minutes but failing to take advantage. Bono denied the first two, with a particularly good save for the second effort, and Iván Martín fired over the bar a few minutes later.

Sevilla were struggling to get out of their own half, but, unlike the hosts, took full advantage when the first opportunity came. Rakitic's free kick found Nianzou, who powerfully headed the ball back across goal for the opener. 

Girona continued to push men forward but were unable to trouble Bono, and Sevilla began to create more chances on the counter. Rafa Mir had the best chance to double our lead, but his shot lacked power and Gazzaniga was able to deny him. Fernando also fired an effort wide from the edge of the area.

Girona levelled the scores immediately after the interval

However, the equaliser came within a minute of the restart. Toni Villa broke free on the right-hand side and crossed to Stuani who easily converted. 

Sevilla nearly regained the lead just minutes later. Acuña's cross took a deflection off David López, drawing a save from Gazzaniga. The rebound fell to Rafa Mir, but the angle was too tight for the striker to convert.

The match gradually became a less open affair, with both sides trying to take advantage of any mistakes. For almost half an hour neither side had a clear-cut chance to take the lead, with Yangel going close with a header in the 78th minute. 

Stuani was then just inches away from reaching the ball and converting after Sevilla lost possession as they played out from the back. However, Sevilla then had a golden opportunity when Rakitic won the ball and played it to Suso, who was clean through. However, he stopped and passed it back to Rafa Mir who fired over.

Unfortunately, there was worse to come for Sevilla, as Nianzou lost the ball, again playing out from the back. Valery gained possession and laid it off for Yangel Herrera, who calmly chipped it over Bono and completed the comeback.

A real blow for Sevilla, who leave Catalonia empty-handed. Next week, the team face a trip to Vitoria to face Deportivo Alavés in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, and a six-pointer at home to Cádiz CF on Saturday in LaLiga MD18. Acuña will miss the league match due to picking up a fifth booking of the season today.