1-1: THEY GAVE IT THEIR ALL, BUT THEY COULDN'T GET THE THIRD WIN IN A ROW

28/08/2021

En-Nesyri levelled the match with a brilliant header as the first-half was approaching its end

Sevilla FC pushed for the third win in a row that would have kept them at the top of La Liga but it wasn't to be. They played out a draw against Elche CF in a match which started slow but saw the team increase in confidence as the minutes went by. After a frenetic start in which Óscar hit the post which minutes on the clock, Roco put the home side in front. His goal was cancelled out near the end of the first-half as En-Nesyri met an Acuña set-piece perfectly and headed in the equaliser. Although Julen Lopetegui's team tried everything in the second-half, they lacked composure in front of goal.

The first chance of the game fell to Óscar after Acuña cut the ball back in the box - his left-footed strike struck the woodwork. Raúl Guti had a shot immediately after for Fran Escribá's team which Bono had to send over. Bono was equally alert to deny Diego González from opening the scoring. He could do nothing against the third chance in short succession though, as Elche went 1-0 up.

Looking for the equaliser, Sevilla began to take control of possession. They tried their luck from distance with shots from Acuña and Rakitić. En-Nesyri would give his luck a go too and forced Kiko Casilla into a save. The 'keeper could not save Youssef's next chance, however, as he rose magnificently to reach an Acuña delivery which he headed into the back of the net.

En-Nesyri equalised with a great header

After the goal, Sevilla looked the most likely to score the third of the match. Acuña picked out Youssef at the start of the second-half, however, the Moroccan's stretch was not enough and his contact sent the ball wide. Rafa Mir was brought on to aid Sevilla's push and he had a great chance after he was picked out by Jesús Navas, but he sent his shot over the bar.

Sevilla's lack of composure in front of goal would not help their cause to get three points as the game was approaching its end. Idrissi jinked past a few players before shooting from range at Casilla. Mir had the last chance of the game with an ambitious header, but it wasn't to be on a day that Sevilla gave it their all to maintain their winning start to the season.

GAME SUMMARY

1. ELCHE CF: Casilla, Diego González, Roco (Josema, 63'), Verdú (Palacios, 53'), Mojica, Josan, Marcone, Fidel, Raúl Guti, Boyé (Milla, 32'), Benedetto (Carrillo, 63').

1. SEVILLA FC: Bono, Jesús Navas, Rekik, Diego Carlos, Acuña, Fernando, Rakitic (Papu Gómez, 59'), Joan Jordán (Delaney, 68'), Óscar Rodríguez (Lamela, 59'), Suso (Rafa Mir, 59'), En-Nesyri (Idrissi, 86').

GOALS: 1-0: Enzo Roco, 10'. 1-1: En-Nesyri, 40'.

REFEREE: Valentín Pizarro Gómez. Bookings for Verdú and Chaves.