Sevilla Secures Hard-Fought Victory Against Osasuna

Sevilla FC returned to winning ways at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán after suffering three consecutive league defeats. They claimed a vital victory against Osasuna, winning 1-0 in a match that proved to be both challenging and tense. Despite Osasuna’s record as the weakest away team, having scored only one goal and earned just one point on the road, they put up a tough fight, forcing the home team to work hard for their win.

Matías Almeyda deployed a three-man defense, with Carmona stepping in as a central defender due to Azpilicueta’s absence. Utilizing a 3-4-1-2 formation, Sevilla managed to minimize the errors that had plagued them in recent matches, although moments of uncertainty arose, particularly involving Nianzou. The team adopted a vertical approach, looking to connect with Akor Adams and attacking from the flanks, taking calculated risks. By prioritizing resilience over flair, they won more duels, took more shots on goal, and committed more fouls than Osasuna, totaling 41 yellow cards this season, averaging over three per match.

“When you have a short blanket, if you cover the top, your feet get exposed, and if you cover the bottom, you expose the top. We were secure defensively, but lacked depth. We corrected this at halftime and returned to play a more offensive style,” explained Almeyda during the press conference. The Argentine coach adjusted the formation to a four-man defense in the second half, enabling Sevilla to approach the game with more aggression and pressure on the opponent’s area.

The decisive moment arrived during a corner kick following a missed scoring opportunity from Akor Adams. A foul by Moi Gómez on Juanlu resulted in a penalty, the second awarded to Sevilla this season, which Vargas successfully converted. This goal opened up more space for Sevilla to extend their lead. However, Osasuna’s best chance came from Raúl García, who faced a one-on-one with goalkeeper Odysseas, who rose to the occasion, showcasing his skills as he repeatedly saved crucial shots. The Greek goalkeeper consistently ranks among the team’s top performers.

In addition to Vlachodimos, Akor and Peque deserve special mention. The Nigerian forward consistently posed a threat and even scored a second goal that was disallowed for offside, an area needing improvement as he leads the league in offside calls with 16. Meanwhile, the Catalan midfielder continued to be the brains of the offensive play, growing stronger with each match. He received a warm ovation from the Nervión crowd upon being substituted, and Almeyda praised his contributions.

With a narrow lead, Osasuna pushed forward in the closing stages of the match, but Sevilla remained resolute in defense and successfully secured three points. This victory marks their fifth league win and third clean sheet, reinforcing their favorable pattern when losing possession. The Nervionenses head into the international break with 16 points from a possible 36, regaining calmness and confidence.