Sevilla welcomed Real Mallorca to the Estadio Ramon on Wednesday holding a 5-0 advantage from the first leg of their fifth-round clash in the Copa del Rey.
An uneventful first period brought few chances, but Manu del Moral struck from close range to put Sevilla ahead of the evening.
Thomas Brandon levelled the score for Mallorca early in the second half, while they took the lead on the night with a strike from Alejandro Alfaro moments later.
However, Sevilla advance to the quarter-final stage of the competition courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live coverage of the action below.
Evening all! We enter the match this evening with the rare situation where a side has almost certainly booked their spot in the next stage of the competition. Sevilla’s 5-0 win in the first leg before Christmas means that only an incredible collapse will see them eliminated at this stage this evening. Stranger things have happened, but it would take a sensational turn of events.
Mallorca knocked out Deportivo La Coruna to advance to this stage of the competition, while Sevilla were comfortable winners over Espanyol. With many of the top teams still in the cup, it is difficult for some clubs to prioritise this tournament with the riches of La Liga to consider. That said, Sevilla will fancy themselves in the next stage against either Levante or Real Zaragoza.
Taking a look at each team’s league form this season, Sevilla currently occupy a disappointing 12th spot in the table. They enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Osasuna, but it is no secret that they have struggled to find their best form. They sit just one win away from the top half, but some eight points behind the top four.
Mallorca, meanwhile, currently occupy 16th spot in the table with 17 points from their 18 matches thus far. They sit just two points outside the relegation zone, but the proximity of the bottom of the table is shown by just four points separating the bottom six teams. To suggest that Mallorca have sacrificed the Copa del Rey to concentrate on the league is the understatement of the century.
Just a quick reminder on the current situation in the Copa del Rey. Valencia and Malaga have both already booked their spots in the quarter-finals. The latter will face either Celta Vigo or Real Madrid, who clash this evening. Meanwhile, Malaga will meet the winner of Thursday’s match between Cordoba and Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid or Gefate will face either Las Palmas or Real Betis in the next round, while the winner of this tie will face either Levante or Real Zaragoza. All of the top six in La Liga are still in the competition which demonstrates just how difficult it will be for one of the so-called lesser sides.
The omens do not look good for Mallorca this evening with the club failing to win any of their last five matches against Sevilla. They were thumped 5-0 in the first leg in December and were also beaten 3-2 at the start of the season. The last time they picked up a point against Sevilla was in November 2011. But much has changed at both clubs since then. The team news is just filtering through.
Right, we are just about eight minutes from kickoff. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags we will be ready to get the action underway. Time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see anything other than a home win this evening. I am backing a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Have no fear. The team news is on its way and we will bring you up to date as soon as it becomes available. Both sets of players are just waiting in the tunnel. It is not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a decent crowd nonetheless. We are just about five minutes from kickoff.
Just a final reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid attempt to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Celta Vigo. That one gets underway at 8.30pm. Be sure to remain with us for the evening's events.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Palop; Maduro, Coke, Cala, Botia, Alberto; Perotti, Kondogbia, Hervas, Manu; Diawara,
MALLORCA: Calatayud; Geromel, Conceicao, Fontas, Kevin; Ximo, Bigas, Marti, Pereira; Alfaro, Hemed
Here we go then. The teams are finally in. Strong Sevilla side this evening with Perotti, Kondogbia and Manu all starting. Meanwhile, Mallorca name Alfaro and top scorer Hemed in their starting team. The away side get the action underway.
Decent start from the away side with Jose Marti and Pedro Bigas enjoying touches of the ball. The latter attempts to find the run of Hemed with a searching pass, but Juan Cala comes across to clear. It is important that this match is played in the correct spirit this evening. Who knows? A couple of early goals for Mallorca and it could be game on.
Neither side has really taken control of the possession in the early stages with each team exchanging spells in midfield. Sevilla threaten as Manu fires a high ball into the penalty area, but Fontas is on hand to clear the danger. It almost has the feel of a training match at the moment. Neither team will want to be pick up any niggling injuries or suspensions.
Poor defensive play from the home side almost allows Hemed into the Sevilla penalty area as Maduro loses possession outside his box, but Coke is on the cover and the danger is cleared. Diawara has been full of running inside the opening six minutes, but he has not had too much to feed off thus far.
We are still waiting for the first real chance of the match. However, good possession football from the home side allows Hervas the chance to launch a cross into the box, but Kevin is on hand to clear the danger. In many ways, neither of these two teams has anything to lose this evening.
Half-chance for Mallorca as Pedro Bigas finds Marti on the right, the Spaniard launches a high cross into the penalty area, but it just would not fall for Hemed. Sevilla attempt to release Diawara down the other end with a searching ball from Alberto Moreno, but Calatayud is out to collect.
Not a great deal to report with 12 minutes on the clock. Sevilla are certainly enjoying more of the ball with Alberto Moreno causing problems down the left, but his searching cross is cleared at the near post by Ximo. Meanwhile, a couple of fouls in and around the centre circle has slowed the tempo further.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment with Sevilla dominating possession in and around the Mallorca penalty area. However, there is a slight stoppage in play as Manu writhes on the ground in agony. It looks a nasty one. I am sure that the home side will not want to take too many chances with important matches ahead.
There is real concern for Manu here as the stretcher comes onto the pitch. However, after a brief spell of treatment, the attacker does walk off the pitch. It remains to be seen whether he will take part in the remaining minutes of the match. I shall keep you updated. In the meantime, Mallorca have possession in the Sevilla half.
Half-chance for the home side as Hervas picks up possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. You can hear a pin drop inside the stadium at the moment. It really needs a goal to liven up proceedings with 18 minutes on the clock.
Perotti is again involved for Sevilla as he picks up possession before attempting to find the run of Diawara, but this time Fontas comes across to clear the danger. The home side continue to dominate possession, but we are still waiting for the game's first real chance. This is a free match for Sevilla this evening.
Manu has returned to the field following a spell of treatment, just how long he lasts is another matter entirely. Sevilla have another half-chance to open the score as Perotti strikes an effort from outside the box, but Ximo collects. They attempt to work a free-kick moments later, but once more the final pass is just short.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Mallorca (Manu)
Wow! The patched-up striker only returned to the field a couple of moments ago. However, Manu del Moral did not look injured there as he collected a pass from Perotti before turning and finding the top corner from close range. That leaves the home side 6-0 ahead in the tie.
In truth, the goal has changed too much. Mallorca were out of this tie before the match even started this evening. It has just given Sevilla a bigger lead. I suspect that the message from the Mallorca camp would have been to go out and play for the win tonight. They launch a decent response as Marti drives into the Sevilla half, but he is pulled down by Moreno.
Again it's good football from the away side as Ximo dances past Coke before winning a free kick just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Marti, but his delivery is poor and the danger is cleared. It falls to Pereira on the edge of the box, but his wild effort is over the crossbar.
The pressure continues from Mallorca as Bigas collects possession before attempting to feed Hemed inside the box, but the danger is cleared by Botia. Manu continues to influence proceedings as he dances into the Mallorca box, but Geromel comes across to clear for a throw.
Decent football from the home side in the past few moments as they force a couple of corners down the left. However, Perotti's delivery is cleared by the Mallorca goalkeeper on each occasion. Little under 15 minutes of the half remaining and the two sides are separated by Manu's goal on the night, but six goals on aggregate.
End-to-end football in the past couple of moments with Alfaro testing the waters with a high ball into the Sevilla box, before Manu drives down the left for Sevilla. However, neither attack comes to nothing with the final pass wide of the destination. Just a reminder that we have action from the Real Madrid match this evening from around 8.20pm.
Little over 10 minutes of the opening period remaining. In fairness to Mallorca they have not let their heads drop after conceding the first goal. For the home crowd, it is almost as if they have just turned up for an evening out. That is the problem when a team has such a big lead from the first leg.
Sevilla have just taken control in the last couple of moments with Diawara coming deep in order to gather possession. The striker attempts to combine with Manu before running in behind, but Fontas is out to clear. Mallorca attempt to break down the other end, but Hemed cannot gather under pressure.
Slightly laboured end to the first period with both teams exchanging spells of possession. It really is being played like a training match with neither side out of first gear. Let's hope that it is more of a spectacle in the second period. Mallorca need just the seven goals to advance to the quarter-finals.
For the lack of clear chances in this opening period, both teams have been nice and tidy in possession. However, the fact that there has been hardly a tackle of any note tells you everything that you need to know about the pace of events in Seville. Little over four minutes of the half remaining.
Mallorca enjoy a good period in the latter stages of the half with Alfaro combining with Ximo before attempting to find the head of Hemed in the box, but once more Coke is out to clear the danger. I shouldn't think that there will be too many minutes added at the end of the half.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football. Oh to be a fly on the wall in both dressing rooms. I suspect that Mallorca will be told to just go and win the second period. Kondogbia comes close to Sevilla's second late in the half with a header, but it is wide of the target.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-0 Real Mallorca (6-0)
So there we have it. A single strike from Manu separates the two teams on the evening. However, Sevilla hold a comprehensive 6-0 lead over Mallorca in the tie. In truth, this clash was over as a contest before the match even started.
It has been played at a decent tempo, but the fact that there has been barely a challenge of note, let alone a yellow card, tells you everything that you need to know about the intensity. Both teams will be keen to get the match over as soon as possible with pressing events ahead.
In terms of changes in the second period, Sevilla could introduce Rakitic in order to provide some balance to their midfield. Meanwhile, Navarro is also on the bench. Mallorca do not have too much in reserve in terms of first-team players, however, with Ruben Mino perhaps the most senior.
Just a final reminder that we have action from the key clash in Madrid this evening. Real Madrid must overturn a 2-1 deficit against Celta Vigo in order to advance to the next stage of the competition. The coverage of that will get underway at around 8.22pm, with kickoff at 8.30pm. Right, we are just a couple of moments away from the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. One change at the interval for each side as Bigas replaces Brandon for Mallorca and Stevanovic replaces Manu for Sevilla. Let's hope that both teams cut loose in the second half in order to create a better spectacle. Sevilla get the action underway.
Half-chance for the home side in the early stages of the half as Moreno collects possession before driving down the left, but his cross into the box is cleared by Kevin. The Mallorca defender attempts to launch a counter down the other end, but Perotti comes across to quell the danger.
Sevilla have certainly started the second period with a great deal of purpose. It appears that they have been ordered to raise the tempo and they have done just that. However, it's sloppy play from Maduro as the midfielder loses possession before fouling Ximo moments later.
It's good feet from Alfaro as the striker collects possession before combining with Hemed, but once more the forward cannot sort out his feet in the area and Coke clears the danger. Mallorca do force a free kick moments later as Marti is felled, but the resulting delivery from Alfaro is disappointing.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Mallorca (Brandon)
Mallorca are level on the evening as Hemed's low shot falls to Brandon in the penalty area and the forward turns before firing his effort past Palop. Game on?! They only need another five to take the match into extra-time. Another couple of goals in quick succession would make things interesting.
Sevilla attempt to regain their lead as Hervas darts into the penalty area before firing a low effort towards goal, but it just moves past the post. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Diawara collects a long pass from Perotti, but he cannot sort out his feet in time to shoot.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-2 Mallorca (Alfaro)
What do we have here? Mallorca have their second of the evening as Alfaro meets a loose ball in the area before hooking over the onrushing Palop. Sevilla have just gone to sleep in the past five or so minutes and they have been punished.
Mallorca attempt to score their third in quick succession as Marti whips a dangerous cross into the Sevilla penalty area, but Palop is just on hand to palm clear. Another cross comes into the box moments later, but Hemed's header is straight at the goalkeeper. Drama.
The pressure remains on Sevilla with Mallorca attacking with pace and numbers. However, the home side survive once more as Palop takes control of a long ball inside the penalty area. In fairness to both teams they have made this second period much more of a contest.
No sign of the players saving themselves for the weekend's league matches as both teams continue to go in search of the next goal. Just a reminder that Sevilla will still advance to the next stage as it stands with a 6-2 aggregate score.
Decent spell for Sevilla in the past couple of moments with their midfield passing and probing along the edge of the Mallorca penalty area. Kondogbia remains the biggest threat as he bundles his way into the box, but Calatayud comes out to collect.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the past few minutes with both sides giving away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. The latest is whipped into the area by Marti, but Palop comes out to collect the danger. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining as Mallorca make their second change with Alfaro being replaced by Alvaro.
Sevilla have just taken the sting out of the match since Mallorca's two goals with Hervas and Kondogbia controlling the tempo. I suspect that the latter's performance will not have unnoticed in front of the scouts. Meanwhile, Mallorca make their third change as Mino replaces Hemed.
Again it's bright football from Sevilla as Moreno combines with Hervas before finding Perotti down the left, but the Argentine sort out his feet in the area and Fontas clears the danger. This has been a much better second period than the first 45 minutes that is for certain.
Sevilla make their second change of the evening as Rakitic replaces Perotti. The Argentine has had an tidy night of football. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and the home side are in control of the possession. Just a reminder that there is little over 30 minutes until kickoff in Madrid.
The tempo has just dropped somewhat from both teams as we enter the remaining moments of the match. Mallorca attempt to create an opportunity with Kevin driving down the left, but he is stopped in his tracks by Botia and the danger is cleared.
Half-chance for Sevilla to level the score on the evening as Hervas meets a corner from Moreno, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Botia embarks on a run through the Mallorca midfield, but his effort is wide of the target.
Not a great deal to report as we enter the final 10 minutes of football on this mild evening in Seville. Just a reminder to stay with us this evening for action from Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Diawara is replaced by Gonzalo.
Sevilla continue to control the possession statistics as we enter the final stages of the match. The threat in behind was gone with the change of Diawara and therefore they are attempting to play through midfield with Hervas, but the Mallorca defence continues to clear the danger on each occasion.
Decent period for Mallorca in the past few moments with Fontas combining with Marti outside the penalty area, the former Barcelona defender attempts to release a powerful strike on goal, but Botia makes a fine block and the danger is cleared before Geromel fires over moments later.
Slight concern over the fitness of Brandon as the Mallorca winger hits the deck under the challenge of Botia, but after a brief spell of treatment he is able to return to his feet. Sevilla have possession back moments later as they pass their way through the final stages.
Still Sevilla push forward in the final stages with Kondogbia driving through midfield. In fairness to both teams they have made the second period a contest, based on the circumstances. It is best case scenario for Mallorca this evening, this win will give them confidence.
The fourth official indicated that we would play an additional two minutes of football and we are into the second of those. Not a great deal to get excited about in the final moments with Sevilla comfortable in possession.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 1-2 Real Mallorca (6-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Sevilla advance to the next stage of the competition with a 6-2 aggregate win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole and stay with us for Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo. Until then!
