Rafa Mir certifies the victory of Sevilla in Balaídos

A goal from Rafa Mir certified the victory of Sevilla FC in Balaídos against RC Celta (0-1), a lonely goal that came minutes after Santi Mina wasted a counterattack by the Galician team with a shot at the post, a sign of the lack of punch that the Galician team showed during the match.

Eduardo Coudet, who opted for Beltrán to replace the injured Renato Tapia, presented his usual drawing. More news offered Julen Lopetegui, conditioned by the important European appointment of the Champions League against Lille on Wednesday.

The first half closed with hardly any scoring chances. Neither team took risks. Celta had more the ball during the first minutes; later the domain changed to Sevilla. Without overflowing the wings, with little dynamism in the creation area, the first twenty minutes were reduced to a shot by Rakitic and a forced shot by Rekik.

Little else showed the celestial team, although their opportunities were somewhat more dangerous: after an individual action, Denis Suárez tested Bono, who easily cleared a centered shot; then Santi Mina tried to surprise the goalkeeper with a distant shot from almost fifty meters away. Sevilla’s response was, at the exit of a corner, a header from Rafa Mir.

Celta increased the pace of the match during the second half. He came out of the break with another idea: more speed with the ball, more presence in attack. He wanted to break the bonds. He brushed the goal with a counterattack that sent Santi Mina to the post.

Julen Lopetegui did not like that change of celestial attitude. Made changes. He got Delaney and Suso. The arrangement was perfect: the minute he appeared on the field, a good pass from Suso bounced to Rafa Mir, who resolved brilliantly in the heads-up against Dituro. It was the only occasion for Sevilla.

That goal hurt Celta, even though he kept his plan. He continued to squeeze in attack. He was close to the tie with a center from Javi Galán headed by Nolito. Then, after a good uncheck and center of Aspas, a shot from Santi Mina rejected it with his back Rekik. Coudet’s team pressed up, bothered Sevilla. He continued to accumulate opportunities but lacked a punch: a header inside the area from Murillo, a shot from Santi Mina after a cross from Brais Méndez or a direct free-kick from Javi Galán.

Coudet refreshed his attack with Cervi and Galhardo; Sevilla stood firm to defend the advantage of the goal, well protected when Celta opted for a more direct football, a celestial dominance that ended with several loose shots from Aspas and Cervi.