A fierce supporter of Betis, never missing a Verdiblancos match, at 31 years old and after having had the chance to join Villamarín, it is increasingly unlikely that Luis Rioja will one day be able to put on the jersey of his favorite team. On a Saturday in January, months after having already capsized the hearts of the Sevillans by wearing the Alavés jersey, the winger from Las Cabezas de San Juan realized one of his great dreams by scoring the goal that allowed in Valencia to triumph at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. In injury time, a long-range left-footed shot from Pedrosa, which Mamardashvili let slip away, established the final equalizer. The Georgian goalkeeper, returning from injury, had made several commendable saves but tarnished his evening with this intervention.
Despite everything, the Corberán effect, evident after a good match against Real Madrid and a cup victory at Elda, took hold at Mestalla. There will undoubtedly be bitterness at losing two points in added time and also because of Valladolid’s unexpected victory against Betis, which again condemns Ché to occupy last place, but a point to Nervión (even against this diminished Sevilla team) should not be taken lightly.
Read more:
Laporta: ‘The Olmo case could have been avoided if the rules had been correctly applied’
After easing some recent friction, Monchi attended the Sánchez-Pizjuán club last night. Just as the second half began, images of the former Sevilla sporting director appeared on the electronic screen, reviving a nostalgic atmosphere in the stadium, with a chant that until recently summed up the glorious era that the club of Nervión has known, symbolized by the Midas touch of world football now at Aston Villa: “León, león, león San Fernando.” On the pitch, during an alarming first half, Valencia and Sevilla competed with poorly placed controls, missed shots and unsuccessful dribbles. Two very mediocre teams, completely removed from the greatness they represented not long ago. Missing football, or perhaps because of it, more than 30,000 Sevilla fans have expressed their frustrations with Del Nido (Junior) and his board. Valencia’s 200 visiting supporters voiced their discontent in unison: “Peter, vete ya.”
Read more:
Vitor Roque Starts on the Bench While Brazilian Star Shines; Betis Falls to La Liga
Returning from the locker room, García Pimienta tried to adjust his tactics by deploying Saúl as a full-back (evoking bad memories of Atlético) or by offering a first match to the recently arrived Rubén Vargas, but his team did not offered much more. They were porous defensively, a sign of a side struggling. Carmona and Badé tried to engage on a long ball, and Rioja found himself facing Gudelj and Nyland, scoring one of the goals of his life in the area (0-1, 60′). Time was still on their side, and that was significant. Sevilla recovered with a disallowed goal, a brilliant strike that hit the post by Vargas, and that long shot from Pedrosa, Rioja’s nemesis on that cold night in Seville.
Read more:
Barça dominates in a highly anticipated clash
Related News :