Lara and Nolito celebrate the win against Reading
First team

2-1: A COMEBACK AND GOOD SENSATIONS TO KICK-OFF PRESEASON

13/07/2019
Goals from Nolito and Lara cancelled out Reading's opener on 55 minutes. All eight new signings made so far featured, including Fernando.

Though you always have to take friendlies with a pinch of salt, Sevilla FC left a good impression in their first preseason match of the season against Reading FC - making a comeback from 0-1 down to win at the Felipe del Valle Stadium in Seville. With a new style of play on show, as Julen Lopetegui slowly embeds his own philosophy and tactical approach, goals from Nolito and José Lara made sure Sevillistas would be going home happy. 

If there was any sign that the new coach wanted to make the very most of his preseason outings, Lopetegui's starting 11 showed intent. Starting four of Sevilla's eight new signings, the Basque coach wasted no time at all in integrating each new player. With Diego Carlos starting at the back, Jordán in midfield, Ocampos on the wing and De Jong up-front, the Nervionenses' new-look spine was certainly on show, though familiar faces like Banega, Vázquez and Escudero all featured too. Starting with intensity, Munir would be denied an early goal thanks to a stunning of-the-line clearance from Liam Moore.

Munir would see his effort cleared off the line on three minutes

Showing their own comeptitive edge, Reading showed real patches of promise - attacking well down the wings and giving Sevilla's new centre-back partnership something to think about with dangerous crosses. However, Sevilla's superiority played out, with Jordán, Munir and early substitute Dabbur all impressing. For his part, Luuk de Jong would be substituted after half-an-hour of play, having picked up a hip injury earlier this week and still working back to fitness. Dabbur would have a half-chance to end the first-half but could not find a breakthrough after Banega's rebounded shot broke loose.

The second-half would start with practically an entirely different 11, with Koundé, Reguilón, Juanpe, Pozo, Mena, Nolito, Amadou, Vidal and Wober all introduced. Sevilla would continue to dominate possession but it would be the visitors who would take the initiative, scoring on 55 minutes from a rare corner-kick.

Reading's opener on 55 minutes would kick the hosts into gear

A slightly undeserved blow for Lopetegui, whose team now stepped up a gear in order to level things up. The Basque coach wouldn't have to wait long, after a clear handball from Richards gave the Nervionenses the chance to score from the penalty spot. Nolito would do the honors, making no mistake when slotting home to the keeper's left. Not long after, Fernando would have his first minutes in a Sevilla shirt, as he, Gnagnon and José Lara were all introduced. The sub would prove decisive, as Lara would link up well with his academy teammate Pozo to give Sevilla FC the winner just five minutes from time. 

The first stage of preseason ends with a win and positive sensations. The team will rest this Sunday, returning with their batteries recharged at the beginning of the new week, where a trip to Dallas awaits the team. The team crosses the Atlantic tomorrow night, ready to face FC Dallas on the 18th. 

MATCH SUMMARY

2. SEVILLA FC: Sergio Rico, Corchia, Carriço, Diego Carlos, Escudero, Jordán, Vázquez, Banega, Ocampos, Munir and De Jong. Minutes for Dabbur, Aleix Vidal, Koundé, Wöber, Reguilón, Amadou, Mena, Juanpe, Pozo, Nolito, Lara, Gnagnon and Fernando.

1. READING FC: Walker, Howe, Moore, McIntyre, Blackett, Rinomhota, Swift, Meité, Olise, Barrow and Loader. Minutes for Andresson, Watson, Adimayo, Richards, Frost, Boadu, East, Holsgrove, Baldock, Osho and Novakovich.

GOALS: 0-1, 56: Novakovich; 1-1, 66: Nolito pen.; 2-1, 85: Lara.