Match reports

2-1: SARABIA WONDER GOAL SEES SEVILLA THROUGH AND KEEPS HOME FORM GOING

29/10/2017

One assist - to Ben Yedder - and one wonder goal from Sarabia put successive defeats in the past and put Sevilla back in European spots in a game which deserved to be killed earlier

A crucial win at home tonight against CD Leganés for Sevilla FC, breaking the run of consecutive losses and earning three well-earned points against the rocky Madrid side. Ben Yedder broke the deadlock in what was the only real chance of the first half and in the second, Sevilla saw the game out. Though the Nervionenses were superior throughout, a Sarabia wonder strike was needed to cancel out Szymanowski's equalising penalty.

The team went out in search of the rhythm and the type of result that had deserted them in league and Champions League competition as of late. Leganés, characterised by their determined defense and their speed on the counter, didn't have many chances in Sevilla's half despite looking dangerous. At the other end, Sevilla sat too deep, without penetrating Leganés' back-line. Barring a few crosses from full-backs, Berizzo's side struggled to create clear-cut chances early. However, when they found their first, Ben Yedder made no mistake. A wonderful inside ball from Sarabia cut through the opposition's centre-backs and left Ben Yedder one-on-one to put it passed Cuéllar and put Sevilla 1-0 up.

Sarabia created the biggest chance of the first-half which saw Ben Yedder beat Cuéllar

The hardest part seemed to be done, but it was Leganés who came out in search of a response. Little by little, Garitano's side grew into the game, with their biggest offensive weapon in Amrabat getting on the ball. There were next to no chances before half-time came; however, what Nervión did see was the substitution of Correa, who was forced to hobble off - replaced by Nolito just before half-time. Half-time arrived without further complications, with Sevilla defending well and Leganés in need of more ideas.

However, any plan Sevilla had for the second half was turned on its head in what was practically the first attack after the restart. Symanowski was brought down by a light push from Corchia and the referee pointed to the spot. Leganés' captain and the winner of the penalty made no mistake. Sevilla had to start again - what seemed like a tough prospect against Leganés' defense. However, a goal did come for the Nervionenses, and did so in stunning fashion - with Sarabia firing a rocket past Cuéllar from close to 25 yards out and nearly breaking the keeper's net in the process.

After finding 2-1, Berizzo's men seemed far more comfortable on the ball

Los Nervionenses dominated from there on and nearly killed the game off completely after a chip from Nolito struck against the bar. Leganés looked for an equaliser, but left themselves open to counters when throwing men forward. In the end, Sevilla were far closer to finding a third than conceding. Chances for Banega or N'Zonzi could have seen the home side kill the game off but lacked an incisive finish.

Ultimately, 2-1 was enough to pick up three important points for Berizzo's side, who this Wednesday will return to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for their crucial Champions League clash with Spartak Moscow - a match which gives Sevilla the chance to put an end to any question of poor form.