When Matias AlmeydaLike all Sevillismo, look at the classification, a smile will illuminate your face. A necessary victory against Oviedo that scares away ghosts and places Sevilla with 20 points with three days left to finish the first round. Half way done … at the beginning of December with the second victory in two months. This, furthermore, with a win that Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán celebrated, who at least said goodbye to this very poor 2025 with a placid afternoon to the rhythm of Akor Adams.
The Nigerian’s last act of servicewho will leave with Nigeria to compete in the Africa Cup, stripped Oviedo naked. A gallop right out of the gate, to take advantage of Agoumé’s good pass into the open space between the centre-backs, to beat Aarón Escandell with his left foot. Then, another run down the right wing, surrounded by Oviedo defenders, until he put a pass into the heart of the area upon the arrival of Sow. If that 2-0 at halftime had not been enough, Akor also assisted Mendy in the third. A drop after a pass from Agoumé so that the other Frenchman could redeem himself from that rude mistake in the derby. And even the striker was able to score another goal with a good header or a low shot with his right foot.
A great game from the Nigerian to claim that, although his football is far from all those top-level forwards who defended the Sevilla shield, his contribution is key to achieving the set objective. The victory was completed by his compatriot Chidera Ejuke with a trademark play. Another one who is leaving with the national team and who also wanted to leave his mark in a game played at will.
Goals
In which Akor Adams has participated, with three goals scored and three assists
Almeyda maintained his commitment to the five defenders, even if that meant fighting his inner demons. “It’s not what we like the most, but we also have to remake and modify it for the good of the team,” said the Argentine in the run-up to the match. The plan was to reinforce the defensive axis and give freedom to Alexis Sánchez and Akor Adams so that they would run to the spaces. Everything went perfectly from minute 3, with that brilliant counterattack with which Sevilla opened the scoring and finally put a game in Nervión downhill. A safer Sevilla accumulating players behind the ball and then shining to the sound of its striker. With a core that shone again like in its best days. Sow and Mendy scoring goals and Agoumé assisting and being important on the pitch.
The derby disaster is now forgotten. A lesson learned for the Argentine coach, who also expects help from the director of football in January. If Sevilla’s objective is to have a quiet season, Almeyda is fulfilling it to the letter. In the middle of the classification and looking further up almost at the halfway point of the competition. Tracing the figures from last season, when at this point Sevilla led by Dodi Lukebakio also had 20 points.
The draw at Mestalla and the defeat of Oviedo recomposed the figure of the Sevilla team. Four points to raise the morale of the troops before facing the Copa del Rey tie in Mendizorroza. What seemed like a brown mark in the middle of the calendar is now seen through another prism. A knockout tournament that can also excite Sevillismo while continuing to fulfill duties in LaLiga.
