A PAINFUL DEFEAT AT HOME (2-0)

We fell to a 2-0 defeat against Girona FC as we head to the international break without a win in the league so far. Iván Martín, in the first half, and Abel Ruiz, from a controversial penalty, scored the winning goals for Míchel's side in a game in which we were the largely more positive side. 

We made a strong start in search of that elusive first win of the season, with Valentín Barco impressing on his debut. The Argentine left-back was one of the best players on the pitch in the first half as he was a constant threat of danger with Ejuke down the flank. The first chance came to Isaac, who struck a powerful low shot, forcing Gazzaniga into a save. García Pimienta's men looked threatening on the counter, taking advantage of the pace of Ejuke and Lukébakio, to look to hurt Girona, who, just before the water break, had their first chance with a long-range shot from Miguel Gutiérrez.

Ejuke thought he had equalised with a curling shot but it was disallowed for offside 

With five minutes to go to the break, Míchel's men took the lead with Iván Martín putting his side ahead after receiving a good pass from Miguel Gutiérrez on the left flank. In the next move, Ejuke struck a great curling shot from the edge of the area past Gazzaniga but it was disallowed for offside. 

Moments into the second half, Lukébakio had a great chance as he skipped his way into the box but was unable to provide the finish. On the hour mark, before Jesús Navas and Peque came on, Nyland kept out a shot from Abel with a strong hand. On seventy minutes, following a lengthy VAR, Girona were awarded a fortunate penalty after a handball by Isaac as he turned to block a shot. Abel Ruiz put the game beyond doubt from the resultant spot kick. Next up is Getafe CF at home but first the international break will give time for a much-needed reset.  

MATCH DETAILS  

0. Sevilla FC: Nyland, Carmona (Idumbo, 81'), Badé, Marcao, Barco, Juanlu (J. Navas, 4'), Sambi, (Sow, 81') Agoumé, Ejuke, Lukébakio (Peque, 64'), Isaac.

2. Girona FC: Gazzaniga, Gutiérrez, Blind, López, Francés (Arnau, 88'), Martín (Asprilla, 57'), Oriol, Herrera (Solís, 46'), Bryan Gil (Portu, 88'), Tsygankov (Danjuma, 46'), Abel Ruiz.

GOALS: 1-0: Iván Martín, 40'. 2-0: Abel Ruiz, 72'.

REFERE: Sánchez Martínez. Yellow cards for Sambi, Badé, J. Navas, Isaac, Asprilla and Francés.