Almeria travelled to Sevilla on Sunday still looking for their first win on their return to La Liga.
The home side took the lead after six minutes through Kevin Gameiro, but Rodri responded for Almeria to leave the two sides level at the interval.
Both sides had chances in the second period, but it was the home side that won it late on through Ivan Rakitic.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from the Estadio Ramon as Sevilla welcome Almeria. It has been a difficult start to the season for Sevilla, with the Spanish outfit managing just six points from their first seven games, a total that has left them in 15th position in the table.
It was always going to be a difficult season after losing key players in the summer, but Unai Emery has managed to just steady the ship in recent weeks with three points against Rayo Vallecano on September 25 followed by a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad last time out. Another three points this afternoon would allow them to gain some momentum.
Their defensive form in the early part of the season will certainly be a worry for Unai Emery, with his side conceding 13 goals in their first seven matches, which after week seven, was the third-worst record in the division. Scoring goals has come more natural with 11 strikes in their seven matches, but it is a testing time for those involved with Sevilla.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Pareja, Fazio, Figueiras, Moreno; Rakitic, Iborra; Marin, Jairo, Rabello; Gameiro
ALMERIA: Esteban; Nelson, Fernandez, Dubarbier, Pellerano; Trujillo, Verza, Tebar, Vidal; Suso, Rodri
So there we have it. Rabello comes into the Sevilla XI this afternoon for a rare start. Meanwhile, Kevin Gameiro will continue to lead the line at the expense of Carlos Bacca. There are also starts for on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin and Jairo Sampeiro. Almeria, meanwhile, continue with their forward pair of Suso and Rodri, but Soriano drops to the bench.
Almeria have problems of their own, however, with the newly-promoted outfit still looking for their first league win of the season. They have managed three draws from their seven matches, but are yet to find that elusive first victory. Losing last season's leading scorer Charles, who scored 27 goals in the Segunda Division, in the summer was hardly ideal preparation for the new campaign.
Almeria have also conceded 17 goals in their opening seven matches, which is the second-worst total in the league behind Rayo Vallecano. In addition, they have failed to keep a single clean sheet thus far - one of just two teams who has yet to produce a shutout, the other being Osasuna. Eight of their 17 goals conceded have been on the road.
Their defence was also a worry last season as they came through the dreaded playoff system in the Segunda Division. They conceded 50 times in 42 games last season, 12 more than second-place Villarreal and 23 more than champions Elche. Down the other end, however, they have managed to find the back of the net on 10 occasions thus far.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have won four of the last five matches, with Almeria picking up just one win in the process. However, that three points did arrive the last time they made the trip to the Estadio Ramon in December 2010. Prior to that, they were beaten 2-1 and 1-0 in consecutive seasons in this stadium.
PREDICTION: It has not been the start to the season that either side would have wanted, but Sevilla at least are starting to find a bit of form. Almeria, meanwhile, remain the only side in the league yet to record a win. I do not expect that to end this afternoon, especially in this stadium, where Sevilla were so strong last season. I am backing a comfortable three points for the home side.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Let's hope for entertainment at the Estadio Ramon. The home side get the first period underway.
Bright start from the home side as Marin collects possession down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but it just evades Gameiro, who had made a move to the near post. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one that is - could be vital in this type of match. The home side have made the more positive start, which is not much of a surprise.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Iborra delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Pellerano is on hand to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Rakitic, but Gameiro's header is high and wide of the target. Not too much from the away side thus far with their midfield struggling for possession of the ball.
It must be said that the heat inside this stadium, for October, is just incredible. No sign of the rain that fell in Barcelona yesterday. Almeria's first attack comes through the middle as Vidal finds the run of Verza, but Moreno is on hand to make the clearance. Plenty of attacking intent from both sides thus far.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Almeria (Gameiro)
Sevilla open the scoring with six minutes on the clock as Gameiro manages to beat Esteban to the ball before poking home from close range. Terrible defending from Almeria, whose task has been made even harder this afternoon. That has settled some nerves inside the stadium there is no question about that.
Almeria have not been allowed to start thus far with the likes of Verza and Suso struggling for possession in the final third. Sevilla, however, look full of ideas with the likes of Rabello and Marin offering trickery in the final third. Three points for the home side this afternoon would them into 11th position.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with Almeria just settling with possession in the middle of midfield. Suso attempts to force the issue as he combines wit Verza before sliding a pass behind the Sevilla defence, but Beto is out to collect at the vital moment.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Verza as the Almeria midfielder fells Jairo in the middle of the park. However, the Spaniard is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. It was always going to be a difficult season for Almeria, but surely they have to start picking up points soon. It is imperative that they stay in this match in the first period.
The home supporters continue to create a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium as their side put the pressure on Almeria once more. Again it is Gameiro that is involved as he bursts beyond their defence, but Nelson comes across to clear at the vital moment.
POST! Sevilla come close to scoring their second as Iborra meets a corner from Rakitic, but his effort clips off the foot of the post. Almeria break down the other end moments later with Suso, but once more his pass asks too much of Rodri, who has been on the outside of things thus far.
In fairness to Almeria they are attempting to pass and probe in the Sevilla half, but the final ball is just not there at the moment with the likes of Fazio and Pareja on hand to quell the danger. A low cross comes into the Almeria box from Jairo moments later, but Rabello cannot make contact at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jairo finds some space inside the box before attempting to place his effort into the bottom corner, but Esteban is across to make the clearance. The pressure continues with Rakitic moments later, eventually Marin does tap home from close range, but the flag had been raised.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Almeria (Rodri)
Where did that come from?! Almeria are level against the run of play as Suso finds Rodri, who lifts his effort into the back of the net from close range. Wonderful equaliser. The stadium has been stunned into silence here.
CROSSBAR! Sevilla come within a whisker of regaining the lead as Rabello meets a cross from Pareja, but his volley smashes off the crossbar. The resulting corner also creates a half-chance for Iborra, but his effort is turned wide of the post by Esteban. What an opening 26 minutes of football we have had in Seville.
Sevilla continue to force the issue as they gain two corners in quick succession. However, the first is headed over his own crossbar by Dubarbier, before Gameiro heads wide from close range. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this afternoon with the way that both sides are defending.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to arrive for the home side as Jairo beats the offside trap before advancing into the Almeria box, but he can only place his effort wide of the post from close range. Will Sevilla be made to regret these missed opportunities? It has been an entertaining 31 minutes of football thus far.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges from both sides. The latest free kick presents Rakitic with the chance to deliver a cross into the Almeria box, but Verza is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments, but Sevilla remain in control of the possession as they continue to win free kicks in the Almeria half. However, the quality in and around the box has been short of the required standard in the latter stages of the half.
CHANCE! Almost a horror moment for Sevilla as Beto tangles with his own defender inside the box - it appears as if Suso's effort will drift over the line, but Beto manages to collect at the vital moment, before Rakitic heads over the crossbar down the other end moments later.
More of an even contest in the last couple of moments with Almeria prepared to commit players in the final third. Suso again causes problems to the home side with a darting run into the box, but he just runs out of room at the vital moment. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Seville, with the two sides still level.
It's really bright work from Nelson as the Almeria defender combines with Verza before driving into the Sevilla box, but it breaks down at the final moment. His absence in defence allows space for Sevilla in the final third, it eventually falls to Gameiro, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
Rakitic is next to come close for the home side as he strikes his effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF TIME: Sevilla 1-1 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Gameiro sent Sevilla into the lead with six minutes on the clock, but Rodri levelled for the away side moments later. Both sides have had their moments in what has been an entertaining half of football in Seville.
STATISTICS: The home side have had more of the possession with 60%, while they have had 10 attempts to Almeria's four. Neither side has been too interested in defending, which has contributed to an end-to-end fixture. Three yellow cards in the first period, meanwhile, one for Sevilla and two for Almeria.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Cristoforo, Bacca and Perotti. Meanwhile, Almeria have the likes of Oscar Diaz, Helder Barbosa and Soriano in reserve. It is a match that could be ultimately decided from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Getafe against Real Betis - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, Almeria get the action underway in the second period. Let's hope the tempo from the first 45 minutes continues.
There has been one change at the interval for the home side with Carlos Bacca entering in place of Gameiro, who appeared to pick up an injury in the latter stages of the half. You just get the feeling that Almeria need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Sevilla will be expected to pick up all three points this evening there is no question about that.
Neither side has really settled in the second period thus far with both guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Sevilla do manage to force the issue moments later as Bacca drives into the box, but he is just crowded out by a number of blue shirts at the final moment. The pressure continues with Iborra, but his cross is into the arms of Esteban.
Really scrappy match at the moment with the tempo from the latter stages of the first period nowhere to be seen in the second half. Sevilla are the team in control of the possession as they continue to deliver deep crosses into the box, but it is playing into the arms of Esteban & Co. Still 1-1 with 53 minutes on the clock.
One-way traffic in the last couple of minutes as Sevilla continue to force the issue in the wide areas, but there is a lack of invention in the middle of the park with the likes of Rakitic and Marin struggling for possession. Almeria, meanwhile, are content to sit deep and absorb the danger.
Rakitic finally bursts into life as the Sevilla skipper drives towards the Almeria box, but he is felled by Verza, who has already been booked. The resulting free kick is taken by the Croatian, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga affair.
Good possession for Almeria in the last couple of minutes with the likes of Suso and Vidal starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The latter attempts to force the issue as he drives a low cross into the box, but Beto is on hand to collect, before the Sevilla stopper releases Jairo down the other end.
Almeria make their first change of the match as Azeez is on to replace Tebar, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. The former will certainly give the away side more of a threat in the final third. This match is so delicately poised with 62 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jairo drives into the Almeria box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort is pushed wide of the post by Esteban. Almeria are preparing to make their second change, meanwhile, with Barbosa on the sidelines. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
The change is indeed made as Barbosa replaces Vidal, who has struggled this afternoon. A free kick is whipped into the Sevilla box by Barbosa moments later, but his effort is pushed wide by Beto. Jairo carries the fight down the other end in the next attack, but he runs into traffic.
Iborra is next to try his luck from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match, but both sides are forcing the issue. Almeria can sense their first win of the season here there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Iborra again comes close to finding the bottom corner as he strikes one from outside the box, but Esteban is across to make a fine save at the vital moment. Moments later Sevilla look to their bench once more as Iborra is replaced by Cristoforo. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in the Estadio Ramon.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side moments later as Rodri attempts the spectacular from inside the box, but his volley is somehow kept out by Beto from point-blank range. Chances for both sides in the latter stages of this match.
Neither side are too interested in defending at the moment with each committing players in the final third. Another opportunity falls to Barbosa as the Almeria attacker dances into the box, but he can only curl wide of the post at the vital moment. Sevilla are down the other end with Marin moments later, but the German runs into traffic.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jairo collects a cross from Marin, but he just cannot sort out his feet in time, allowing Nelson to come across and clear the danger. Almeria are down the other end moments later, but it bounces through to Beto. End-to-end football in Seville.
I would be astounded if there was not a goal in the final 10 minutes of this match with the way that both sides are attacking. Marin is next to try his luck as he drives into the box before finding Moreno, but the left-back cannot make proper contact with his cross. Almeria, meanwhile, remain a real threat on the counter.
Sevilla make their third and final change as Trochowski replaces Jairo for the final five minutes or so. These are the type of matches that the home side just need to win if they are to secure European football this season. Suso comes close to meeting a cross from Nelson moments later, but the Almeria forward just clips wide.
One-way traffic in the last couple of moments with Sevilla forcing the issue in the final third. However, their is a lack of invention with the home side forcing each cross high into the arms of the Almeria goalkeeper. You just get the feeling that there will be a couple more opportunities in the remaining stages.
Almeria simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Sevilla continue to pen the away side to the edge of their own box. However, they must be praised for their defensive performance this afternoon. Soon the fourth official will hold up his board. Surely it will be at least three minutes of additional time.
Almeria make their third and final change as Soriano replaces Suso. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the chances just drying up in the latter stages.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Almeria (Rakitic)
Oh my good grief. Sevilla win it in stoppage time as Rakitic turns a Marin cross into the back of the net from close range. They have just broken Almeria hearts here.
FULL TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Almeria
Good grief. Sevilla pick up all the points in the final minute as Rakitic heads home from close range. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Getafe against Betis. Until then!
