Sevilla secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña at the Estadio Riazor on Wednesday, with Miguel Sierra scoring the only goal of the LaLiga encounter.
The first half ended goalless, with Deportivo enjoying more possession but struggling to create clear opportunities against a well-organised Sevilla defence.
The hosts had 58 per cent of the ball before the interval, but their dominance did little to trouble goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Sevilla broke the deadlock seven minutes after the restart.
Lucas Stassin’s effort was saved by Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Román, but Miguel Sierra reacted quickest to the rebound and fired a right-footed effort into the net from close range.
The hosts’ task became more difficult shortly afterwards when Angeliño was sent off following a VAR review for a foul.
The dismissal came in the 59th minute and left Deportivo with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Sevilla took advantage of the numerical superiority by sitting deeper and protecting their lead, while Deportivo struggled to find a way through. Despite six minutes of added time, the visitors held firm to claim all three points.
Deportivo finished with 53 per cent possession and completed 498 passes compared with Sevilla’s 444, but the visitors were more threatening in front of goal. Sevilla registered 11 shots, including six on target, while Deportivo managed only four attempts, with three testing Vlachodimos.
The Sevilla goalkeeper played a key role in preserving the clean sheet, making three saves during the match.
Román was also kept busy at the other end, making five saves as Deportivo attempted to get back into the game.
Sevilla also showed greater defensive intensity, making 29 tackles and recovering possession 59 times.
Their ability to absorb pressure after taking the lead ensured that Sierra’s early second-half strike was enough to settle the contest.
The result gives Sevilla a valuable away victory in the sixth round of the LaLiga season, while Deportivo will rue their inability to turn their possession advantage into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
