Ocampos celebrates his goal against UD Almería

0-1: SEVILLA FC QUALIFY FOR THE COPA DEL REY SEMI FINALS AFTER ELIMINATING UD ALMERÍA

02/02/2021
Ocampos' goal, assisted by Suso, was enough to secure Sevilla's passage into the semi finals

Sevilla FC will contest the 20/21 Copa del Rey semi finals. Julen Lopetegui's men will be in the pot alongside three other teams this Friday, after knocking UD Almería out by one goal to nil in another complete performance by the team, keeping another clean sheet and creating danger on the opposite goal despite only scoring once. One goal was enough however as Lucas Ocampos' header from a Suso cross in the second half put the team into a lead they did not relinquish, maintaining the team's run of not conceding a goal in this year's Cup, a run now spanning five games.

Sevilla started the game full of intensity, dominating possession and forcing Almería deep into their half, but the Blanquirrojos could not find the clear cut chances to worry Fernando in goal. Two shots from Aleix Vidal in the first minutes, marauding down the right wing, were an early sign of Sevilla's intention to attack. Almería did manage to get back into the game around the twenty-minute mark as they began to have more of the ball themselves. Akieme had a shot from distance with his left foot. The clearest Sevilla chance fell to Luuk de Jong after a great bit of play from Ocampos but Almería's goalkeeper managed to rush out and block the Dutch striker's shot.

A few minutes into the second half Koundé hit the post after a corner from Papu Gómez

The halftime break saw a change in Julen Lopetegui's system as Gudelj was replaced by Munir. Fernando dropped back into defensive midfield and Papu Gómez, who started on the left wing, joined the midfield three. The second half had an electric start with both team's getting into each other's box. Almería had a chance with Villar but Bono was on hand to keep him out, before Koundé broke forward, getting into the box and just missing Papu Gómez with a clever cut-back. The two players would have a role reversal in the next play as the game would have its clearest chance yet: Papu whipped in a corner from the right that Koundé hit against Fernando's post in what could have easily been the opener. Ocampos also tried his luck from range with a strong shot that Fernando had to parry away.

And Sevilla would soon have their goal. Lopetegui brought on En-Nesyri and Suso and the Spaniard would have a key role in the goal. Suso whipped the ball into the box with his left foot and Ocampos rose highest, cushioning a header beyond Fernando in goal. José Gomes, Almería's coach, went on the offensive and brought on Corpas and Umar Sadiq, the most in-form striker in the Second Division. The Nigerian did not take long to show his ability, providing a number of problems for Sevilla's centre-backs.

Suso would be key once more as he lifted in a pass to Munir who volleyed first time, forcing Fernando into a top save

Munir could have ended the game in the 83rd minute when Suso lifted in a wonderful pass with his left foot. The Moroccan volleyed the ball against the ground, but Fernando expertly raised his hands in time to prevent the bouncing ball from rising above him. The minutes went by and Sevilla remained firm in defence, denying Almería the chance to force the game into extra time. Sevilla qualify for the Cup semi finals and will find out their opponent on Friday after the other three ties are played. Attentions now turn to Saturday's league game at home against Getafe CF.

GAME SUMMARY

0. UD ALMERÍA: Martínez, Buñuel, De la Hoz, Chumi, Akieme, Petrovic, Robertone (Costa, 75'), Villalba (Carvalho, 75'), Ramazani, Lazo (Corpas, 67') and Villar (Sadiq, 67').

1. SEVILLA FC: Bono, Aleix Vidal, Diego Carlos, Koundé, Rekik, Gudelj (Munir, 46'), Fernando, Rakitic, Ocampos (Jordán, 79'), Papu Gómez (Suso, 59') and De Jong (En-Nesyri, 59').

GOALS: 0-1 Ocampos, 67'.

REFEREE: Estrada Fernández. Yellows for Corpas and Chumi.