Out-of-form Deportivo La Coruna welcomed top-four hopefuls Sevilla to the Riazor in Saturday's early start in La Liga.
The hosts took the lead after 28 minutes through Oriol Riera, but Vitolo levelled the scores five minutes later.
Vitolo netted his second of the match early in the second period to send Sevilla into the lead, before Kevin Gameiro registered from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.
Depor were back in the match 20 minutes from time through Riera, but Sevilla scored a fourth through a Sidnei own goal late on to move 4-2 ahead.
Lucas Perez netted a penalty for Depor in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but it proved no more than a consolation as Sevilla recorded all the points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from La Coruna as Deportivo La Coruna welcome Sevilla. Both sides are in desperate need of the points, but for very different reasons indeed. We are approaching the business end of the season in Spain that is for certain.
Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS:
DEPOR: Fabricio; Juanfran, Insua, Sidnei, Luisinho; Bergantinos, Borges; Cuenca, Lucas, Cavaleiro; Riera
SEVILLA: Rico; Diogo, Pareja, Kolo, Navarro; Iborra, Krychowiak; Vidal, Banega, Vitolo; Bacca
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Depor XI this afternoon, with Oriol Riera once more spearheading the attack. Celso Borges continues in central midfield alongside Alex Bergantinos, while Isaac Cuenca starts in a wide area. Jose Rodriguez, however, is only on the bench.
Sevilla, meanwhile, have experienced defender Coke fit again, but the Spaniard is only on the bench. Nicolas Pareja does return to the XI, however, following a period on the sidelines. Carlos Bacca will once again be supported by Ever Banega, who is arguably in the form of his career.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have won three of the last five matches, with the further two encounters ending in draws. Earlier this season, Sevilla were 4-1 winners at the Estadio Ramon, but the pair have not met in La Coruna since September 2012, when Sevilla recorded a 2-0 victory. The atmosphere is really building around of kickoff here...
Deportivo will enter the match off the back of a 0-0 draw away to Almeria last time out. The home side finished with nine men, but Depor, despite a number of chances, could not find a winner. It is now three league games without a win for the newly-promoted side, with that run of form leaving them 15th in the table, just three points outside of the relegation zone with 13 games to play.
Deportivo's home form this season has been fairly mixed – winning three of their 13 matches, drawing three and losing six. More worryingly, they have conceded 22 goals at home this season, which is the second-worst record in the league behind Elche. On the road, meanwhile, they have won two of their 12 matches – collecting 10 points in the process. It has been a bit of a struggle.
Sevilla, meanwhile, picked up a point in a 0-0 draw at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend. Their recent form in the league has been fairly poor – winning just two of their last seven, which has harmed their chances of finishing in the top four. As it stands, they are fifth, but sit seven points behind fourth-place Valencia and just one point ahead of sixth-place Villarreal.
Last weekend's draw with Atletico maintained Sevilla's unbeaten home league record this season, but they have struggled on the road – picking up just 15 points from 12 matches. To put that into context, their away form this season has been worse than the likes of Eibar, Rayo Vallecano and Elche.
PREDICTION! As discussed, Sevilla's away record has been poor this season, but I just fancy them to pick up a positive result here. Depor are struggling to find the back of the net at the moment and last weekend's draw with Almeria might still be on their minds. I shall go for 2-0 Sevilla in La Coruna.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Far from a full house inside the stadium, but there is a good atmosphere as Sevilla get the first 45 minutes underway.
As expected, the opening couple of minutes have been a little scrappy, with both teams attempting to feel their way into the match. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Vidal attempts to break down the right for Sevilla, but Sidnei is across to clear.
Sevilla have just managed to gain a period of control in the last couple of minutes, but Diogo is just caught offside following good work from Vidal. Some signs that the visitors are warming to their task.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a chance! Sevilla come close to taking the lead as Diogo drills a low cross into Bacca, who makes good contact, but somehow his effort is high of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Big chance for the home side this time as Lucas drives into the Sevilla box before attempting to lift one over Rico, but his effort is high of the crossbar. Lucas missed an absolute hatful against Almeria last time out and he has already missed one excellent opportunity here!
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as both sides commit numbers in the final third of the field. Neither looks too secure in defence, however, which should mean goals in La Coruna.
It must be said that the pitch is in excellent condition for this stage of the season - no complaints there. Meanwhile, it is a beautiful late afternoon in La Coruna, perfect for a game of football. No chances to speak of in the last couple of minutes, but the tempo remains extremely high.
Sevilla remain a threat in the final third, but Vitolo has been caught offside twice in quick succession, allowing Depor to regain control of the possession. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock.
The referee has been more involved in the last few minutes following a couple of late challenges. The latest foul from Luisinho brings Sevilla a free kick in a wide area, but Banega's delivery is cleared.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Cuenca finds a pocket of space outside the box, but his effort is blocked, allowing Rico to collect with ease. The early tempo has certainly dropped here.
Sevilla are in control of the possession at the moment, but not too much is happening in the final third in terms of chances. Diogo again drives down the right before delivering, but it is a straightforward claim for Fabricio in the Depor goal. Still we wait for the first goal in La Coruna.
Both sides had excellent chances in the early minutes, but it has been a match of offsides since then, with Sevilla flagged twice in quick succession once again. We are in desperate need of a spark here!
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Lucas uses his pace to escape the challenge of Kolo before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide of the post.
If Lucas Perez could finish, he would be some player! He has missed hatfuls this season.
Bacca remains a threat for Sevilla, but the striker is penalised for a foul on Juanfran just outside the Depor box. It has been a frustration afternoon for both sets of attacking players thus far here.
Cavaleiro almost finds Riera with an excellent cross from the right, but Pareja is first on the scene to head clear, before Sevilla regain control of the ball. Still goalless with 27 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-0 Sevilla (Riera)
The home side break the deadlock with 28 minutes on the clock as Riera converts a super low cross from Cavaleiro. Excellent wide work from the Portuguese and a really smart finish from the striker.
The hosts probably just about deserve it. Sevilla had an excellent chance through Bacca early on, but have struggled in the final third since then. This is now a real test for Unai Emery's side in La Coruna.
Sevilla have seen plenty of the ball since falling behind, but they are not doing too much with it. A sloppy pass from Iborra almost leads to a Depor chance, but Pareja is across to clear the danger.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-1 Sevilla (Vitolo)
Sevilla are back in the match with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining as Vitolo converts from close range following excellent work from Bacca, who held off two challenges inside the Depor box before playing in Vitolo, who finished into the bottom corner. Game on here!
Suddenly we have a real match on our hands as Sevilla break down the left, but Navarro cannot feed a pass into Bacca, with Depor clearing and breaking with numbers. It is a really good game now!
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. For confidence alone, you feel it has to come for Deportivo, but Sevilla are now looking the more threatening here.
Lucas has another half-chance for the home side after finding space outside the box, but his effort is deflected for a corner, which Sevilla clear quite comfortably. Still 1-1 with 41 minutes played.
Possession football from Sevilla as we approach the final minutes of the first period. Both teams have been quite untidy in the final third, but it has been an open and entertaining La Liga affair.
BOOKING! Iborra (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Riera.
BOOKING! Krychowiak (Sevilla) is booked for a poor challenge on Lucas.
HALF-TIME: Deportivo 1-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Riera opened the scoring for Depor after 28 minutes, but Vitolo levelled the scores five minutes later. It has been an open and entertaining affair, with both sides having a host of clear opportunities.
STATS! Depor have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while the hosts will surely feel that they should be ahead at this stage of the match. Lucas had a couple of excellent chances before Riera opened the scoring, but Sevilla scored with their second serious opportunity. There have been two bookings issued, meanwhile, with both coming at the end of the first period for Sevilla.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Costa, Dominguez, Farina and Rodriguez all capable of making a difference. Sevilla, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Deulofeu, Gameiro, Reyes and Suarez.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have a winner in La Coruna? Let's hope for more of the same as Deportivo get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-1 for the next 20, 25 minutes in La Coruna.
Strong start to the second period from the home side as Juanfran and Luisinho take it in turns to delivery from wide areas, but Sevilla manage to clear the danger. High-tempo football here.
BOOKING! Banega (Sevilla) is booked for putting an elbow into the face of Juanfran.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Luisinho, but Rico is out to claim with confidence, before releasing Diogo down the right. Not too much attacking intent from Sevilla since the interval.
You just get the feeling that the home side need to score a second goal during this strong spell of pressure at the start of this half. Sevilla are not really in the game at the moment, but will improve.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-2 Sevilla (Vitolo)
Sevilla score with their first real attack of the second period as Vitolo whips one into the bottom corner following a smart cross from Vidal. Excellent finish from the Spaniard, who has hit two here.
That is the difference between these two teams. Depor have shaded the general play, but Sevilla have a lot more quality in the final third. Vitolo is at the double and the visitors now lead in La Coruna.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to level as Lucas collects a pass outside the Sevilla box before spinning and firing towards goal, but his effort is just wide of the post.
Sevilla remain a threat in the final third as Vitolo combines with Banega, but the return pass is just too strong and the home side have a goal kick. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining here.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Deportivo and once again it is Perez. The Spaniard picks up a loose ball inside the Sevilla box, but his powerful effort is straight at Rico. Sevilla survive!
SUB! Sevilla make a double change as Mbia and Gameiro replace Iborra and Bacca.
Still no movement on the Depor bench, however, which is a surprise at this stage of the match.
SUB! Depor do indeed make their first change as Farina replaces Cavaleiro.
As it stands, Deportivo would be just one point outside of the relegation zone. However, I suspect that we have not seen the last of the goals here. There is still plenty of time for things to change.
PENALTY SEVILLA!
BOOKING! Insua (Deportivo) is booked for bringing Gameiro down inside the box. Sevilla will have the chance to score a third from the penalty spot here. Big moment in the match...
... GOAL! Deportivo 1-3 Sevilla (Gameiro, pen)
Sevilla do indeed score their third of the match as Gameiro fires home from the penalty spot. Straight down the middle from the Frenchman and the visitors are now in a very strong position here.
As touched on before, that is the difference between these two sides. Deportivo have been pretty good in general play, but they lack the quality that Sevilla possess in the final third of the field.
Depor have a free kick just outside the box as Pareja chops Lucas to the ground...
... CROSSBAR! Lucas takes the resulting free kick, but his effort hits the crossbar!
The home side continue to force the issue in the final third, but Sevilla are fairly comfortable in dealing with the danger as another corner is cleared. Little over 20 minutes to play in La Coruna.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to score a fourth on the counter as Gameiro sets up Diogo inside the box, but the Spaniard can only clip wide of the post. Some opportunity!
GOAL! Deportivo 2-3 Sevilla (Riera)
Deportivo are back in the match with 72 minutes on the clock as Riera scores his second of the match from close range after meeting an excellent cross from Luisinho. Game on at the Riazor!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to answer straight back as Diogo sets up Gameiro inside the box, but somehow the Frenchman fires over the crossbar from close range. Wow!
SUB! Depor make their second change as Costa replaces Cuenca.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as we approach the final stages.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Sevilla as Vitolo breaks into the Depor box before firing one towards the near post, but Fabricio is across to make a smart save. All happening here!
Poor from Mbia as the Sevilla midfielder over-hits a cross from a wide area, when a simple ball would have presented an excellent chance to Gameiro. Sevilla are the team pressing at the moment.
SUB! Sevilla make their third change as Suarez replaces Banega.
SUB! Depor make their third change as Jose Rodriguez replaces Juanfran.
Deportivo need a goal, but all the pressure is coming from Sevilla at the moment.
GOAL! Deportivo 2-4 Sevilla (Sidnei OG)
Sevilla score their fourth of the match as Sidnei turns a goal-bound strike from Vitolo into his own net. Surely that is all the points secure for the visitors? Little over five minutes to play here.
Deportivo have played very well for parts of this match, but they have been poor in defensive areas and Sevilla have been able to punish them. Not too much more to play at the Riazor.
BOOKING! Diogo (Sevilla) is booked for a late challenge on Luisinho.
Helder Costa takes matters into his own hands for the home side, but his strike from the edge of the box was always comfortable for the Sevilla goalkeeper. Little over two minutes of normal time to play.
Another half-chance for the away side as Vitolo delivers a super ball into Gameiro, but Fabricio is out to clear at the vital moment, before Helder Costa fires wide of the post down the other end.
Helder Costa again finds the arms of Rico as we enter the first of three additional minutes.
CHANCE! Bergantinos comes close to scoring a stunner for the home side, but his effort from just inside the box is high of the crossbar. Almost a worldie from the midfielder.
PENALTY DEPORTIVO!
The home side are awarded a late penalty as Pareja fells Costa inside the box - wow!
GOAL! Deportivo 3-4 Sevilla (Perez, pen)
Lucas Perez fires his effort into the bottom corner, but surely there will not be time for another.
FULL-TIME: Deportivo 3-4 Sevilla
Indeed there is not time for any more action as the referee brings the match to a close, with Sevilla running out 4-3 winners. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
