Sevilla welcomed Real Zaragoza to the Estadio Ramon this evening with the two sides tied at 0-0 from the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Zaragoza's task became harder after 26 minutes when Jose Fernandez was shown a red card. It got worse in the latter stages of the half as Alvaro Negredo and Ivan Rakitic made it 2-0 on the evening.
The away side were then reduced to nine men in the second period with Fran Gonzalez giving away a penalty, allowing Negredo to score from the spot.
Meanwhile, there was time for one last piece of drama as Manu del Moral ghosted into the box to make it four for the home side in the final stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! It is that time again. Focus switches from league to cup as we round up the Copa del Rey quarter-finals this week on Sports Mole. Sevilla were victorious over Real Mallorca in the last round to advance to this stage of the competition, while Zaragoza were surprise winners over an improving Levante outfit.
However, neither side enters the match in a particularly good run of form. Sevilla, touted as European contenders at the start of the season, have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Zaragoza have an identical record with just one victory in the same period. The cup has certainly provided a welcome distraction from La Liga.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Zaragoza were 2-1 winners on their own patch earlier in the season, but they lost the previous three against tonight’s opponents and have conceded three times on each of their last two visits to the Estadio Ramon. However, with this tie so delicately poised, anything can happen. Right, the team news is just filtering through.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Lopez; Navarro, Spahic, Fazio, Cicinho; Reyes, Rakitic, Kondogbia, Medel, Navas; Negredo
ZARAGOZA: Franco; Paredes, Lanzaro, Sapunaru, Gonzalez; Fernandez, Wilchez, Zuculini, Mari; Javi, Victor
So there we have it. The home side name a strong team with Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes both providing support to Alvaro Negredo, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League. Zaragoza, meanwhile, name Victor Rodriguez as the lone forward with Javi providing support from deep. However, Movilla and Paco Montanes are surprise omissions.
Let’s take a closer look at how both sides have fared in the league. Sevilla currently occupy 12th spot in the table with 23 points from their 20 matches thus far. They are eight points behind sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano and 12 behind Real Betis, who sit in fourth position. Meanwhile, they have taken just five points from the last 18 on offer, a record that is worsened by just three teams.
They have also struggled to score goals this season with just 24 from their 20 league matches. That is in contrast to Barcelona who have scored the most with 66. Meanwhile, Osasuna have scored the least with just 16. Down the other end, they have scored 29 goals, which is just about average in terms of the rest of the division.
Zaragoza, meanwhile, currently sit in 13th place in La Liga, just one spot and one point behind their opponents this evening. They have managed six points from the last 18 on offer, which is just slightly better than Sevilla. In terms of their defence, they have conceded 30 goals, one more than Sevilla. However, they have scored just 21 goals, which is the fifth-worst record in the division.
Looking at both teams’ form in closer deal, Zaragoza have been impressive on the road this season. In fact, only four teams, the current top four, have taken more points away from home this season. They have collected 13 points, in contrast to their home record which is the worst in the division. Sevilla, meanwhile, have won five of their nine matches at home this season, in contrast to just one away from the Estadio Ramon.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff, which is just about two minutes away. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my-pre match prediction. I can see this being a close affair this evening, but I am backing Sevilla as 2-1 winners.
Tonight's referee is Carlos Velasco. Let's hope that we are discussing the match and not the officials come the end of the evening. A reminder that the first leg finished 0-0 last week. The winner of this tie will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Betis in the final four. Here we go then. The home side get the action underway.
A score draw or a win would be enough to see Zaragoza advance to the final four this evening due to the away goals rule. However, it has been the home side that have started the better with Navas, Medel and Kondogbia enjoying plenty of the ball in the early stages. The first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, but the ground is far from full with the reduced ticket prices doing little to draw more numbers to this particular match. Neither side has really settled thus far, although Sevilla look the side more capable of making things happen with Navas and Reyes both attacking down each wing inside the opening four minutes.
It is a surprise to see Helder Postiga on the Zaragoza bench this evening with Javi Alamo starting in attack. The latter certainly provides a presence in the final third, but he will not worry Sevilla on the deck. The home side continue to dominate possession as they pass and probe in the opposing half, but neither team has been able to create any type of opportunity thus far.
The match has just become ever so untidy in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of handing away a host of free kicks. The latest is whipped into the Sevilla penalty area by Victor, but he fails to beat the first man and the danger is cleared. Another slight chance for the away side as Mari fires a low cross towards Wilchez, but it moves behind for a corner.
The away side are certainly enjoying their best spell of the match with Wilchez and Zuculini linking with the forward players, but the Sevilla defence has stood up well to the danger thus far. We are still waiting for the first real opportunity, in many ways it is a very similar opening to the first leg one week ago.
Controversy here as the referee pulls back play for a free kick even though Sevilla were advancing on goal. The home players are not happy and rightly so, Kondogbia had a clear shooting opportunity. The resulting free kick is taken by Rakitic, but the Croatian's effort is straight into the wall. Another set piece is awarded, however, as Wilchez handballs.
The subsequent free kick is taken by Negredo, but the Spaniard can only thump his effort straight into the wall. The pressure continues, however, as Paredes is forced to thrash behind his own goal for a corner. The home supporters have found their voices with their team currently on top here.
Corner after corner for Sevilla as Rakitic continues to whip crosses into the penalty area, but the Zaragoza defence has stood up well to the danger to clear on each occasion. A reminder that only a 0-0 score would take us into extra time this evening. A score draw would be enough for Zaragoza to advance due to the away goals rule.
CHANCE! First real opportunity of the match comes to Negredo as the Spanish striker collects a pass from Reyes before striking a powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Franco comes across to make a fine save. The home side are without question in control as things stand.
Sevilla receive their first yellow card of the match as Spahic chops Mari down in his prime in a wide position. The resulting free kick is taken by Victor, but Diego Lopez palms the danger over the crossbar. However, the Spaniard save counts for nothing as the referee spots an infringement in the area and awards a free kick to the home side.
Another half-chance for the home side as Negredo pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area before advancing on goal, but Franco just comes out to quell the threat and the striker cannot find the bottom corner. Rakitic fires a low cross towards the striker moments later, but he just cannot make contact at the far post.
Just about 20 minutes of the first period remaining and the tie is still level at 0-0. Sevilla have certainly had the clearest opportunities to open the score, but Zaragoza have offered enough of a threat on the counter attack. It could be a single goal that decides this tie. There is not a great deal between these two teams.
No real chances to report in the past few minutes with both sides exchanging spells of possession in midfield. This is probably a good time to mention that we have action from Valencia against Real Madrid following the completion of this tie later tonight. The Spanish champions hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg and thumped Valencia 5-0 at the Mestalla in the league on Saturday.
RED CARD: Fernandez: Real Zaragoza are reduced to 10 men as Jose Fernandez is sent off for a horror challenge on Reyes. It was one of those bouncing ball situations and the defender arrived terribly late. The Spaniard did not really offer the referee an alternative.
Manolo Jimenez pulls a couple of his players to the sidelines as Reyes receives treatment following the challenge. The Spanish winger looks in a great deal of pain here. It was one of those tackles that was more reckless than intentional. What effect will the sending off have on the rest of this tie?
There is a danger that this match could boil over as the challenges continue to fly in. Back to the football for a moment, little over 15 minutes of the half remaining and the tie stays at 0-0. Meanwhile, the referee comes across to talk to Jimenez, who is clearly unhappy about the events in the last few minutes.
Zaragoza have forced a couple of corners in the past few moments, but Victor's delivery has not been up to the required standard this evening. Meanwhile, it appears that Javi has a problem here as he twists his knee in a challenge with Fazio. It does not appear likely that the striker will be able to continue. What a scrappy past five or so minutes. This match has not been allowed to develop any sort of tempo.
It is nine playing 11 at the moment with Zaragoza without Fernandez, who has been dismissed, and Javi, who is currently receiving treatment on his injured knee. It seems unlikely that the Spaniard will continue as he hobbles down the touchline. Sevilla attempt to exploit their two-man advantage with a counter attack, but Reyes's final pass is really poor under the circumstances.
Zaragoza do indeed make their change as Jorge Orti comes on to replace the departing Javi. It is a surprise that Jimenez has not called upon either Postiga or Montanes. You just get the feeling that the away side need to come out and play, because the deeper they drop, the more confidence Sevilla will gain. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Zaragoza (Negredo)
Zaragoza take the lead through Negredo. Navas collects possession before driving into the penalty area, but his low effort is pushed wide of the target by Franco. The resulting corner is met by the Spanish striker, who thumps his header into the back of the net. The home side lead on the evening and in the tie.
It is a long way back for Zaragoza with 10 men. But they have to keep believing that they can score. Remember, a score draw would be enough to send the away side into the final four of the competition. It is so important that they quell the Sevilla threat in the latter stages of the half. Another home goal at this stage would seriously harm their chances.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Navas collects a bouncing ball in the area before attempting to lift his effort over the head of Franco, but the Argentine goalkeeper just manages to clear the danger. Another powerful effort comes in from Rakitic, but once more Franco beats the ball away.
The pressure continues from Sevilla as Negredo turns before slipping a low pass towards Reyes, but the former Arsenal winger just cannot collect with Paredes coming across to clear. Navas is next to come close as he drives into the Zaragoza box, but this time Gonzalez makes the clearance. All one-way traffic here.
We have seen nothing from the away side as an attacking threat since they were reduced to 10 men, it would be a surprise if Postiga was not introduced at the interval. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of time at the end of the first period.
Not a great deal to get excited about in stoppage time with the home side controlling possession. A half-chance does arrive as Negredo attempts to link with Reyes in the final third, but the striker just cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Medel heads over from the resulting corner. As things stand, Sevilla are advancing to the final four.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Zaragoza (Rakitic)
Wow! What was I saying? Not too much to get excited about? Rakitic has other ideas as he collects possession outside the box before driving into the area and curling his effort into the top corner. That is a wonderful finish. What a mountain to climb for Zaragoza.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 2-0 Real Zaragoza
So there we have it. A pulsating first period is brought to an end with Sevilla leading 2-0 on the evening and 2-0 in the tie. However, it is harsh on Zaragoza who were reduced to 10 men with Fernandez receiving his marching orders for a horror challenge on Reyes.
The early stages mirrored the opening leg between the two sides, which was a close affair. However, things changed after 26 minutes when Fernandez was sent from the pitch. Two goals followed in the final 10 minutes of the half with Negredo and Rakitic both getting on the scoresheet.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Betis, who clash tomorrow in the second leg, in the next round. The other semi-final will be contested by Valencia/Real Madrid and Barcelona/Malaga. Not too many complaints about the calibre of the teams left in the competition.
Let's take a look at both benches this evening. Sevilla have Coke and Maduro on the bench, while Diawara and Manu are also in reserve. Zaragoza, meanwhile, have Edu Oriol, Postiga, Movilla and Montanes in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see some changes made ahead of the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is a surprise. Zaragoza need to score twice without reply in order to book their spot in the latter stages. We can no longer have extra-time this evening. The away side get the second period underway.
Sevilla have taken control of the early stages of the second period with Navas, Medel and Reyes all enjoying possession. You just get the feeling that Zaragoza have to go for broke this evening, another home goal and this one is over. But an early goal for the away side and anything could happen.
Half-chance for the home side as Navas fires a low cross into the box, but Negredo just cannot make contact with Paredes on hand to clear. The decision from Jimenez to not start Postiga, Montanes and Movilla does seem a strange one. What is the point of making it to this stage of the competition and then sacrificing your place? It does seem quite incredible.
Another booking for the away side as Gonzalez receives a yellow card for a foul on Reyes outside the penalty area. It really is getting worse and worse for Zaragoza. The resulting free kick is taken by Rakitic, the Croatian finds Reyes on the edge of the box, but his powerful effort is charged down at the vital moment.
Not a great deal to report in the last couple of minutes with the home side so comfortable that it isn't true. It is almost a non-event as Sevilla continue to pass and probe in their own half. It is a shame for the neutral that such events have occurred to leave us in this position. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining.
The away side make another change as Montanes replaces Victor, that is a defensive change. That just about shows us what to expect in the final stages. A half-chance arrives for the home side as Reyes strikes an effort from close range, but it just moves wide of the post. Meanwhile, Sevilla make their first sub as Medel is replaced by Manu del Moral.
There is a place up for grabs in the last four of the Copa del Rey this evening, against quite possibly Atletico Madrid. However, Zaragoza are not interested. They have not been interested since the first minute with the team that was named by Jimenez. It appears that the Spaniard has prioritised the weekend's league match with Espanyol which is certainly a shame for this competition.
CHANCE! The home side come close to scoring their third of the evening as Manu collects possession before driving into the penalty area, but the striker can only curl his effort over the crossbar. It has been reported that Sevilla are keen to sell the Spaniard this month. Shop window?!
Zaragoza are just enjoying their best spell of the second period as they pass and probe outside the Sevilla penalty area. Mari attempts to find the run of Orti behind the home side's defence, but it just skids off the turf and Lopez is on hand to collect. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and Sevilla lead 2-0 on the evening and indeed in the tie.
In fairness to the away side they have started to play in this second period, but it does appear to be a case of too little too late. Just a reminder of how things currently stand. We can no longer have extra-time this evening with Sevilla winning 2-0. Should Zaragoza score twice without reply, then they would advance on away goals. However unlikely that appears at the moment.
PENALTY TO SEVILLA AND RED CARD: It's wonderful play from Cicinho as the defender drives into the penalty area before being chopped down by Gonzalez in his prime. The Zaragoza defender had already been booked in the first period and the away side are down to nine.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-0 Zaragoza (Negredo)
Sevilla book their spot in the final four of the Copa del Rey as Negredo thumps his penalty into the top corner. You have to worry for Zaragoza in the final stages of this match. They are 3-0 down and have just nine players on the pitch.
Another half-chance for the home side as Negredo meets a cross from Navas, but the Spaniard can only head his effort over the crossbar. The pressure remains as Navas whips a dangerous ball into the box, but this time Franco makes a fine save. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Sevilla.
Meanwhile, the away side make their third and final change as Movilla comes on to replace Zuculini. His side will need his experience in the remaining stages of this match. The score could be anything that Sevilla want it to be. It just depends on whether they want to save some legs for their league clash at the weekend.
The home side make a change of their own as Diawara replaces Negredo. It does seem a strange decision to bring the Spaniard off with the chance of a hat-trick this evening. However, Negredo is more than happy to take the applause and sit on the bench. A half-chance arrives as Navas strikes a low effort from outside the box, but Franco makes the save.
It is all one-way traffic, as you would expect, with Navas and Reyes attacking down each wing. The latter presents possession to Zaragoza in the shape of Montanes, but Zaragoza's evening is just about summed up as the midfielder plays a pass straight to Lopez. It is almost like a training match for Sevilla as things stand.
Not a great deal happening at the moment as we approach the final 10 minutes of the match. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Reyes is replaced by Stevanovic. Perfect opportunity for Unai Emery to give some of his squad players some minutes in the final stages. They will face either Atletico Madrid or Real Betis in the next round.
Another half-chance for the home side as Navas, who is yet to score this season, collects possession before driving into the penalty area, but his low attempt is just wide of the target. Zaragoza put a series of passes together in the Sevilla half moments later, but it comes to nothing, as has been the case all evening.
The opportunities continue to fall for the home side as Stevanovic drives into the penalty area, but he just fires his effort wide of the target. The midfielder comes close once more moments later, but the offside flag is just raised. Even the officials have taken pity on Zaragoza in the final stages.
CHANCE! Manu comes close to adding the home side's fourth as he meets a cross from Navas, but he can only place his header just wide of the post. They certainly have had chances to add to their tally in the final stages. But it remains a respectable 3-0.
Cicinho continues to impress as the full-back fires a low cross into the box, but it evades a host of bodies before moving out of play. Sevilla have possession back with Diawara moments later, but the striker cannot find the elusive touch in the box as Paredes is across to clear the danger.
Not too much to get excited about in the past few moments. I think that Sevilla have shown a bit of compassion here. Should they have so wished they could have gone on to score five or six in this match with Zaragoza down to nine. But they have instead decided to converse their energy for the weeks ahead.
Two half-chance for the home side in the latter stages with Manu and Navas both having efforts from outside the box, but neither can find the back of the net. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the match.
Zaragoza end the match with their heads held high as Montanes collects possession in the Sevilla half before striking an effort on goal, but it moves high of the crossbar. The away side gather once more, however, and it appears that they will end the evening with the ball.
GOAL! Sevilla 4-0 Zaragoza (Manu)
Or maybe not! Sevilla advance straight down the other end with Manu and the striker dances into the box before finding the back of the net. That is terrible defending from Zaragoza. Four goals for the home side this evening.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 4-0 Zaragoza (Sevilla win 4-0 on aggregate)
So there we have it. Sevilla book their spot in the final four with a comprehensive win this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole and be sure to remain with us for Valencia against Real Madrid. Until then!
