Celta Vigo travelled to Sevilla on Monday knowing that three points would have moved them out of the relegation zone.
The home side took the lead after 12 minutes when Alvaro Negredo tapped home from close range, before he doubled his tally just before the 30-minute mark.
Celta cut the deficit to 2-1 moments before the break, however, when Augusto Fernandez turned into the back of the net from just inside the box.
The away side continued to push in the second period, but Gary Medel and Negredo made it three and then four for Sevilla late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 26 in La Liga is completed as Sevilla welcome Celta Vigo to the Estadio Ramon. The home side have been in decent form in recent weeks despite suffering two defeats in their last four. Celta, meanwhile, will enter the match knowing that three points would be good enough to move them out of the relegation zone.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have just shaded it with three wins from the last five matches. As mentioned, Celta won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the beginning of the season, but Sevilla have won their last two home matches against Celta. That said, these two sides have not met in this stadium for almost six years.
Let’s take a closer look at how each has fared this season. Sevilla currently occupy 12th position in the table having taken 10 points from their last six matches. They have suffered two defeats in recent weeks, but those were against Real Madrid and Barcelona. It has not been the best of seasons, but they will be keen to finish in the top half.
Victory this evening would see the home side move into 10th position in the table, just six points off the top six. A European push at this stage of the season would be a big ask, but they certainly have the players to embark on a winning run. Their home form has been strong this season with eight wins from 12 matches, but they have struggled on the road.
In fact, if away form was all that counted then Sevilla would be in the relegation zone. They have won just one of their 13 matches on their travels, which does seem extraordinary for a team with the pace of Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes. Three points is a must this evening if they are to continue their push up the table. Right, the team news is just filtering in.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Navarro, Fazio, Coke, Moreno; Navas, Rakitic, Medel, Kondogbia, Manu; Negredo
CELTA: Varas; Cabral, Demidov, Bellvis, Johny; Oubina, Fernandez, Lopez, Orellana; Bermejo, Aspas
So there we have it. Sevilla boss Unai Emery hands a start to Manu del Moral in place of Jose Antonio Reyes, who drops to the bench. Jesus Navas starts on the opposite wing, with Alvaro Negredo taking his place down the middle. Celta, meanwhile, pair Mario Bermejo and Iago Aspas in attack.
Celta are in real trouble at the moment. They currently sit 18th in the table having taken just 23 points from their 25 matches thus far. That said, three points this evening would move them above Real Zaragoza in the table. It is just so tight at the bottom with around seven teams deeply involved in the relegation scrap.
Celta’s away form this season has been worse than Sevilla’s. In fact, no team in the division has a poorer record on their travels. They have won just once from 13 matches, losing 12 times in the process. Their home form has been slightly better with five wins from 12 matches, but their fans will not be full of confidence entering this match.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I just cannot see any possible way how Celta take something from this tie. Comfortable home win for me.
Tonight's referee is Carlos del Cerro. In my opinion, the Spaniard is one of the best officials in the division, which should point to a free-flowing evening. A reminder that Reyes starts on the bench for Sevilla, while Celta boss Abel Resino selects Bermejo alongside Aspas. The away side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a decent atmosphere in the Estadio Ramon. Not a particularly cold night in Seville, but the rain is hammering down at the moment. Let's hope that the quality of the football does not mirror the weather.
A reminder that Celta have the worst away record in the division, having won just once on the road. Meanwhile, Sevilla have been strong on their own patch this season. Make no mistake about it, this is an improving Sevilla outfit. Not too much to report in the opening stages with both sides just attempting to feel their way into the match.
Decent football from the away side in the last couple of moments as Orellana drives down the left before whipping a low cross into the box, but Beto comes a long way to clear the danger. Fernando Navarro is playing at the heart of the home side's defence this evening, that will be an area that Celta will look to exploit. Six minutes on the clock and not too much to report on this rainy evening in Seville.
Celta have certainly had plenty of the ball in the early stages of the match, but they have struggled to get the likes of Aspas and Bermejo onto the ball. Nothing much from Negredo down the other end, meanwhile, with much of the possession in the middle of the park. It is the type of match that could do with an early goal.
A half-chance arrives for the away side as Aspas collects possession on the edge of the box before turning and striking a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Beto gets down well to make the save. The resulting corner also causes problems in the penalty area, but Coke heads clear under pressure from Fernandez.
Coke is involved for the home side as he collects possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Bellvis is on hand to make the clearance. Celta show their attacking intent down the other end with Aspas, but the Spaniard's effort deflects off his own man for a goal kick. Bright start from the away side this evening.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Celta Vigo (Negredo)
First blood to the home side. It's really good work from Navas as the winger drives into the box before striking an effort on goal, Varas makes the save, but it drops straight to Negredo who fires home from close range. That is his 17th goal of the season.
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It is almost as if someone has flicked a switch and the tempo has been raised. Negredo is involved once more as he turns in the box before finding Rakitic on the right, but his cross is palmed clear by the Celta goalkeeper. The away side had made a decent start, but they trail. The story of their season.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Manu finds space in the penalty area before clipping his effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, Navas has just started to influence proceedings with 17 minutes on the clock.
Celta just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with Medel and Rakitic taking charge of the midfield battle. You just get the feeling that the away side have to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. It is difficult to see them recovering from two goals against a side that is strong at home.
Again it's good pressure from Celta as Aspas combines with Bermejo before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Fazio stoops low to head clear. The away side have not done too much wrong in the opening 21 minutes of this match, but they are always vulnerable in defence.
Plenty of possession for Celta, but they are not really going anywhere with it. A half-chance does eventually come as Fernandez strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. They just need a bit more from the likes of Aspas and Bermejo in the final third.
Aspas is indeed involved moments later as he turns on the edge of the box before striking an effort towards goal, but it moves well wide of the post. Just the one shot on goal for the away side thus far, with Aspas testing Beto in the early stages.
CHANCE! Just about the clearest chance of the match for the away side as Aspas collects a bouncing ball in the box before attempting to slide his effort past Beto, but the Portuguese comes out to make a fine save. The resulting corner is whipped in by Orellana, but the referee stops play for a free kick.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Fernandez drives a low cross into the box, but Beto just comes out to collect at the vital moment. Make no mistake about it, Celta are the better team with 15 minutes of the first period remaining. But playing well does not necessarily secure you points.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Celta (Negredo)
Game over?! It's really poor from Varas once more as the Celta goalkeeper palms the ball straight into the penalty area, Negredo is first on the scene as he curls his effort into the corner of the net. Ruthless finishing from the Spaniard.
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Well, as mentioned, Celta have not done too much wrong in the opening 32 minutes of this match, but they could be out of this match already. The home supporters have really found their voice, meanwhile, with their side in control of the possession. Celta really need to quell this pressure.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Rakitic meets a cross at the far post, but he can only head wide of the post. Celta goalkeeper Varas is really struggling at the moment. He is not a tall man, which is preventing him from exerting his presence in the penalty area. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Celta's work-rate cannot be called into question as they continue to commit players to each attack, but you just get the feeling that they are going to be made to pay on the counter. A corner from the home side causes panic in the Celta box, but Navas is denied by a fine save from Varas. The goalkeeper's shot-stopping ability cannot be called into question.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Aspas clips a pass towards Orellana, but the winger just cannot collect at the vital moment, with the ball moving out for a goal kick. Aspas is again involved moments later as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but Beto gets strong hands behind it.
Aspas is involved once more as he meets a bouncing ball in the penalty area before striking an effort from a difficult angle, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Arguably, you could say that Celta have been the better side in this half. However, I am sure that Resio would rather his side played badly and won.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Celta Vigo (Fernandez)
Celta score! You cannot say that it hasn't been coming. It's really bright work from Aspas as the attacker darts into the box before finding Fernandez, who thumps his effort into the back of the bet. Game on in Seville!
CROSSBAR! End-to-end football in the latter stages of the half with both sides prepared to commit numbers to each attack. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in the second period. Orellana is involved once more as he collects possession in the box, but his effort thumps off the crossbar.
All one-way traffic at the moment as Celta continue to force the issue, but the latest attack breaks down when Bermejo moves into an offside position. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Celta Vigo
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Well, it may be a cold, rainy night in Seville, but the football has been of the highest order. Sevilla looked to be running away with it when they moved into a 2-0 lead, but a strike from Fernandez moments before the interval has handed Celta some hope ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Sevilla have just shaded the possession with 51%, but they have had just seven attempts to Celta's 11. I say just seven, which is a clear indication of the amount of chances in the first period. It has been an enthralling 45 minutes of La Liga football.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Reyes, Baba Diawara and Javi Hervas. Meanwhile, Celta have the likes of Chu-young Park and Quique de Lucas in reserve.
As it stands, Sevilla would move into 10th position in the table, just eight points off the top four. A Champions League push is perhaps too far, but they will be eyeing the Europa League. Meanwhile, Celta would remain 18th, two points from safety.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. One change for the home side at the interval with Reyes replacing Manu. No changes for the away side. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could prove decisive. The home side get the half underway.
Lively start to the second half from the away side as Aspas dances past two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but Beto comes out to collect at the vital moment. Reyes has a taste of the action with a mazy run down the other end, but the move breaks down. No sign of the tempo stopping despite the 15-minute break.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Moreno fires a deep cross into the box, but Negredo just cannot make contact, with Bellvis ushering the ball out of play. Navas threatens moments later with a powerful cross towards Negredo, but Varas comes out to claim with confidence.
Sevilla have the ball in the back of the net once more as Navas collects a pass from Medel before firing his effort into the top corner. However, the linesman had his flag raised. That could have been game over. Lively stuff from both teams as the second period begins to gather some pace.
Celta are just to incredibly open at the moment, with Sevilla picking holes behind their defence. Again Navas is involved as he fires a cross into the box, but Cabral comes across to clear. Aspas is involved down the other end, but his final touch just allows Beto out to collect at his feet.
You attack, we attack. You attack, we attack. It is almost like watching a basketball match with both teams committing numbers to each attack. I am not complaining, but I shouldn't think that either manager would be too happy that their defence is so open. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in the remaining 35 minutes of this match.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Negredo to score his third as he drives past two defenders before moving into the penalty area, but Cabral is across at the vital moment to make the challenge. Celta advance down the other end with Fernandez, but his cross into the box just would not fall for Aspas, allowing Beto to thump clear.
No sign of the pressure relenting here as Negredo drives down the left before delivering another cross into the box, but Varas comes out to claim with Navas waiting to tap home. There seemed to be an off-the-ball incident between Rakitic and Oubina, but the referee takes no action. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of giving away a host of fouls. However, the referee has officiated impressively this evening. First change of the match for the away side as Pranjic replaces Orellana.
Navas is again involved for the home side as he dances past two challenges before driving a low cross into the box, but once more Bellvis is across to clear. Bermejo has a half-chance down the other end as he turns Fazio before striking from the edge of the box, but it was always rising over the crossbar.
The tempo of the match has just dropped in the last couple of minutes, but you still get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in the remaining 25 minutes or so. Aspas remains heavily involved for the away side, but he just cannot find that final pass under pressure from Coke. On the balance of play, Celta would be worth a point at this stage of the match.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-1 Celta Vigo (Medel)
Oh my word. It is an absolute horror show from Varas as the Celta goalkeeper allows Medel's effort to slip through his hands. That is just about as poor as it gets. Resino's expression says it all as he holds his head in his hands.
GOAL! Sevilla 4-1 Celta Vigo (Negredo)
It gets worse for the away side as Negredo meets a loose ball in the penalty area before thumping his effort into the back of the net. Hat-trick for the Spanish striker. No less than he has deserved this evening.
This just about sums up Celta's season. They have been good in patches, but they are always vulnerable in defence. The scoring is far from over in my opinion as the home side attack with pace and numbers once more. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
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Not a particularly big crowd inside the stadium this evening, but they are making some serious noise as the match approaches its latter stages. Negredo comes close to number four as he collects possession on the box before turning and striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar.
Navas is next to come close for the home side as Negredo whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Varas just does enough to quell the threat. Celta look decent in attack once more, but Aspas curls wide of the post. It is not difficult to see why Celta have struggled this season. They look like they are going to concede each time Sevilla attack.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Maduro replaces Kondogbia - who has enjoyed another fine evening. There have been some reports that Manchester City have sounded out Sevilla over a move for the Frenchman. Could we see him in the Premier League next season?
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Navas dances past two defenders before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. The Spanish winger has still remarkably not scored in the league this season. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides exchanging periods of possession without really threatening to add to the scoring. Sevilla continue to look capable of scoring each time they attack, but they have been guilty of poor passing in the final third. There are more goals in this match if they wish.
Celta make their second change of the match as Bellvis is replaced by Roberto Lago for the final five minutes. Celta need to put this match to the back of their minds as soon as possible. As it stands, they would remain in 18th, two points from safety. Sevilla make their third change, meanwhile, as Diawara replaces Negredo.
The match has just become quite stale in the latter stages with the changes from both sides interrupting the tempo. In fairness to Celta they have not let their spirit drop as they continue to commit players to each attack. But the bottom line is that they just have not been good enough. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
It is almost like a training match at the moment with Sevilla keeping possession of the ball with relative ease. The home side want a penalty as Reyes hits the deck in the penalty area, but the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Half-chance in the latter stages for the away side as De Lucas strikes a powerful effort from close range, but Beto is on hand to make the save. Decent end to the match from Celta.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 4-1 Celta Vigo
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So there we have it. Negredo scores a hat-trick as Sevilla record a thumping 4-1 win over Celta Vigo. The result moves the home side into 10th, but Celta remain in the relegation zone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for Champions League football tomorrow. Good evening!
