Match reports

1-1: SEVILLA FC FAIL TO FINISH OFF THE GAME AND DRAW AGAINST VALENCIA CF

19/01/2022

Ocampos, Rakitić, Rafa Mir and Tecatito missed chances to score the second

Sevilla FC pick up a point this Wednesday night at the Mestalla against Valencia CF. It will feel like two points dropped for the team based on how Julen Lopetegui's team started the first half. The coach was not there in person to see it after remaining in the team hotel after experiencing COVID symptoms - Pablo Sanz managed in his place. After Diakhaby scored an own goal, the team had numerous chances to widen the gap. Those missed opportunities would haunt us as Guedes equalised just before the half was up. Tecatito had the best chance of the second half following a great pass from Diego Carlos, but the Mexican winger could not find the finish. The draw leaves us with 45 points in the league, four behind Real Madrid.

The first half went in the team's favour and was in control until the very last minutes when a Guedes goal revived Valencia who had been struggling. We went ahead in the 7th minute when Ocampos released Montiel whose cross was turned in by Diakhaby. After that, Sevilla dominated, controlling possession, being aggressive and creating chances.

Guedes scored the equaliser after Sevilla missed chances to go two up

Neither Ocampos, Rakitić, nor Rafa Mir could make the most of their chances to open up a two-goal cushion. Bordalás' team stayed in the match and got back in it when Guedes fired a bullet header beyond Javi Díaz in nets, reviving Valencia who had been on the ropes throughout the first half.

The second half had a less frenetic opening than the first. Neither side could fashion clear-cut chances and play became scrappy in the midfield, turning the game into back and forth. Ocampos and Guedes, on the right for their teams, missed chances to move their sides into the lead.

The best chance would come for Sevilla. Diego Carlos found Tecatito with a brilliant pass. The Mexican sent the ball over the onrushing Domenech, but it dropped wide of the goal. Shortly after, Gayá was sent off for a second booking. The four minutes added time were not enough to make the advantage count, and the team come away from Valencia with a point.

GAME SUMMARY

1. VALENCIA CF: Cillessen (Domenech, 17'), Correia (Marcos André, 76'), Diakhaby, Alderete, Cristhian (Lato, 46'), Foulquier, Guillamón, Musah, Gayá, Hugo Duro and Guedes.

1. SEVILLA FC: Javi Díaz, Montiel, Rekik, Diego Carlos, Acuña (Jordán, 46'), Fernando, Ó. Torres, Rakitic, Ocampos, Papu Gómez (Tecatito, 73') and Rafa Mir.

GOALS: 0-1 Diakhaby (O.G, 7'). 1-1 Guedes, 43'.

REFEREE: Soto Grado. Yellows for Acuña, Gayá (double booking), Montiel, Lato and Ó. Torres.