While it was hardly an encounter overflowing with goalmouth action, Sevilla always looked the likelier winners. Statistically, Valencia failed to muster a single attempt on target, though Otorbi did rattle the woodwork late on with the deadlock still intact. Just as a stalemate appeared inevitable, the Andalusians struck from a set piece to snatch all three points, before managing the closing stages with composure to see out the win untroubled.

Sevilla: In a game of scarce openings, the hosts showed far more attacking intent and turned up the pressure after the interval. Stassin hit the woodwork shortly after the restart, but the decisive breakthrough finally arrived when Juan Iglesias headed home Kochorashvili's wide free-kick. Gaya switched off in his marking, while Dimitrievski proved sluggish to react.

Valencia: A dismal outing at Nervion. With Tarrega sidelined through injury, Iker Cordoba operated as a makeshift centre-back alongside Pepelu. The visitors were largely toothless in the final third, with only Danjuma's clever movement and Otorbi's spark posing any genuine threat. It was a display that fell well short of the response demanded.

Juan Iglesias

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