Match reports

0-0: GOALLESS IN GALICIA

17/04/2018
Despite chances and a lot of possession, Sevilla could not find their way past Deportivo and had to settle for a goalless draw. Fine saves from Soria and Rubén were at the base of clean-sheets for both sides

If you don't score, the most you can get is a point. Sevilla missed the chance to regain ground in the race for Europa League football this Tuesday, labouring to a goalless draw in Galicia against RC Deportivo. Despite domination from Sevilla through most of the game, the visitors were frustrated by an in-form Rubén, who rescued a clean-sheet and a draw for the home side. All focus now turns to the Copa del Rey Final this Saturday.

Sevilla certainly started the more positive of the two sides, pressing early in the game for an opener. Miguel Layún would be the first to let fly, having been found with space on the left by Johannes Geis (starting for the first time in the centre of midfield). The effort would be well smothered. Sandro would follow up with a similar effort from the right, which again would be well held. With just over quarter of an hour gone, Sevilla would threaten again through the very same players – Geis whipping a free-kick to the back-post for Sandro but the Spaniard again unable to beat Rubén.

Despite early pressing, good saves from Rubén ensured Sevilla would not break the deadlock

Just hitting the half an hour mark, David Soria would be forced to do a bit more work. First saving a deflected effort that could have easily snuck in, then showing safe hands to smother a volleyed strike from his left. Sevilla chances, meanwhile, had dried up somewhat. Five minutes from the break, the visitors would refind their mojo with a lovely bit of play that ended in a Banega shot dragging just wide. With a starting Carlos Fernández skilfully back-heeling into the Argentine’s path, the midfielder would be unlucky to see his shot slip just past Rubén’s post. Not three minutes later, Fernández would threaten again. Doing well to escape a well organised Deportivo defence, the home-grown striker would strike just too centrally to find a way past the keeper. A strong finish to the half for Sevilla but no breakthrough.

Come the restart, Sevilla were shocked into a reaction after just thirty seconds of play handed Clarence Seedorf’s side a golden chance to open the deadlock – thankfully they would fire over. The Nervionenses would respond with another effort at Rubén’s goal (yet again saved) and a side-footed strike from Correa that would go wide. Now knocking hard on Deportivo’s door, Sandro would be the next to be frustrated by impressive goalkeeping. Having been found with a superb through-ball, the Everton-loanee would only have the keeper to beat but Rubén would come out on top. Looking to the bench, Montella replaced Correa with Sarabia.  

Neither Sarabia, Muriel nor Nolito would be able to inject Sevilla with the spark they needed to make the most of their chances

Looking to get back into the game, the hosts would find themselves one on one with David Soria on 68 minutes. Facing an on-rushing Adrián, Soria would respond with a brilliant sliding tackle to deny a clear-cut chance at goal. A warning sign for an otherwise in-control Sevilla. With just fifteen minutes to go a spark was needed. Unfortunately, that spark wasn’t to come. Despite introducing Muriel for Sandro with just over ten minutes to play and despite a towering Mercado header at a Sevilla corner, the visitors would never find the breakthrough they needed. 

Not enough in Galicia and a disappointing point where three were there for the taking. Hopefully Sevilla will be able to put the disappointment behind them quickly in the Copa del Rey Final this Saturday.