Sevilla have made it two defeats on the bounce in La Liga after being beaten 2-0 tonight by newly-promoted side Celta Vigo.
The hosts were patient in the first half, playing some nice passing football and they managed to carve out a few chances, although nothing clear-cut.
Sevilla were unable to create much throughout and by pushing forward more in the second half they were undone on the break. However, was the result fair?
Sports Mole takes a look at the key moments and offers some analysis on the game as a whole.
Match Statistics:
Celta Vigo:
Shots: 7
On target: 5
Possession: 54%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 15
Sevilla:
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 46%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
On the balance of chances created, yes. Sevilla may have had more shots, but really it took until well into the second half before Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez was tested properly. The penalty might have been somewhat harsh, but the warning signs had been there before that. Celta switched to a more counter-attacking style and created more clear-cut chances so therefore they deserved to win. Perhaps not by two, but anything other than a Celta victory would have been fortunate for the visitors.
Celta Vigo's performance
'Efficient' is the best word to describe the hosts. In the first half, they were crisp with their passing and patient in creating their few chances. For the second period, however, they used their pace in attack to break dangerously and got their reward through Iago Aspas's penalty. After that they were able to pick off Sevilla and seal the win.
Sevilla's performance
They should have been better tonight. Alvaro Negredo did not get enough support from his midfield and Jesus Navas in particular was wasteful with his distribution. In the second half Jose Antonio Reyes was their most impressive player, but with only one or two proper chances created it was not good enough from the visitors.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Aspas: The young striker was the most dangerous man on the field tonight with his pace and direct running a constant threat to the Sevilla back line. He could have scored before getting his chance from the spot and he was rarely wasteful in possession - he was alone in that respect with many around him giving the ball away too often.
Biggest gaffe
Hedwiges Maduro's decision to cover his face from the free kick, which resulted in the penalty. A little harsh perhaps as it might well have not been given, but if you put your arms up you are asking to give away penalties.
Referee's performance
Jesus Gil Manzano did well tonight. He made the correct decisions regarding bookings, and just about for the penalty. However, he could have let the game flow a little more as a few free kicks could have been let go as advantages.
What next?
Celta Vigo:
Next up for Celta is one of the two hardest games in La Liga, Real Madrid away on October 21. In truth, they would do well to get anything from that game but must continue to impress at home, with this their third win of the season.
Sevilla:
Sevilla will need to recover from their two consecutive defeats and they have a chance to put their league form back on track with a home tie against Mallorca on October 21.
Matt Domm
