Deportivo La Coruna travelled to Sevilla on Friday knowing that three points would move them off the bottom of the table.
Sevilla were ahead after five minutes when Ivan Rakitic opening the scoring, before Gary Medel made it two after 27 minutes.
Deportivo did have one back moments later through Riki, but Medel added his second of the evening five minutes before the break to make it 3-1 at the interval.
The away side improved in the second period, but they could not find a way back into the match as Sevilla picked up the three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our coverage of week 24 in La Liga gets underway as Sevilla welcome a struggling Deportivo outfit. The home side currently sit in 11th position in the table with 29 points, but Deportivo are in desperate need of the points as they currently sit bottom of the table, some six points behind 17th-placed Osasuna.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, three of the last four matches have ended in a draw. As mentioned, the reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 2-0 win for Sevilla, but the last time the pair met at this stadium in the league, in September 2010, the points were shared in a 0-0 draw.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Spahic, Fazio, Coke, Moreno; Reyes, Rakitic, Medel, Kondogbia, Navas; Negredo
DEPORTIVO: Arazubia; Ze Castro, Evaldo, Kaka, Silvio; Aguilar, Assuncao, Bergantinos, Riki; Gama, Pizzi
So there we have it. The home side are as expected with Jose Antonio Reyes and Jesus Navas once more providing support to Alvaro Negredo in attack. Geoffrey Kondogbia also starts in midfield alongside Gary Medel. Meanwhile, Deportivo continue with Bruno Gama and Pizzi in attack, but Paulo Assuncao is also back having serviced a one-match suspension.
It has not been the best of seasons for Sevilla, who were expected to challenge for the top four, but there have been signs in recent weeks that they could yet to sneak into a European place. They sit 10 points behind Malaga, who are fourth, but seven points behind seventh-placed Real Sociedad. It is not impossible to see them to secure a Europa League position.
They enter the match having taken 10 points from their last six matches, but it has been their home form that has pushed them away from trouble. They have won seven of their 11 matches on their own patch. That is in contrast to their away form, where they have won just once in 12 matches on the road. It is not difficult to see why they have struggled.
Deportivo, meanwhile, simply need to start picking up some points if they are to move away from the relegation zone. They are joined in the bottom three by Real Mallorca and Celta Vigo, but there is a dangerous gap emerging between them and the likes of Osasuna and Real Zaragoza. As it stands, not too many are giving them a hope of securing another season in La Liga.
Perhaps not too surprisingly, they currently sit in the relegation zone in both the home and away table. They have won three of their 11 matches on their own patch, but they have failed to win a single league match on the road, losing seven and drawing five of their 12 matches. Will that horrific run be ended this evening?
Taking a quick look at the numbers, the goals conceded column does not make good reading for Deportivo. They have conceded 51 goals in their 23 matches thus far, just over two goals per game. That is in contrast to Sevilla who have conceded 34 in the same period. Down the other end, Deportivo have fared slightly better, scoring 27 goals, three less than their opponents this evening.
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. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot see anything other than a home win. Sevilla's record at the Estadio Ramon is just too strong for them to drop points this evening.
Tonight's referee is Jose Teixeira. Let's hope that we can keep all 22 players on the pitch this evening. There does seem to have been a huge influx of red cards in La Liga this season. A reminder of the main team news, Negredo leads the line for Sevilla, while Bruno Gama joins Pizzi in attack for Depor. The away side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere in the early stages of this match. It's good work from the home side early on as Navas collects possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Aranzubia comes out to clear. You just get the feeling that Depor need to keep it tight for the opening 10 minutes of this match.
A reminder that the away side currently sit bottom of the table, but would move level on points with Celta Vigo, who sit 18th, with three points this evening. Not too much for Deportivo to get excited about in the early stages, however, as the home side continue to dominate possession with Kondogbia and Medel enjoying plenty of the ball.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Deportivo (Rakitic)
Again it's good work from the home side as Reyes combines with Rakitic before driving down the left, Kaka is across to clear, but the cross comes back into the area, with Rakitic on hand to thump his header into the back of the net. It is just about the worst possible start for the away side.
You would imagine that Deportivo were sent out this evening to keep it tight inside the opening stages of the match, but they have been unable to repel the danger. Another goal at this stage could well see them drop another three points. Sevilla are just so comfortable as they pass and probe in the Deportivo half.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to move into a 2-0 lead as Reyes finds Navas in the box, but the Spaniard fires his effort straight at the goalkeeper. What a fine chance to score your first goal of the season. Deportivo just cannot cope as they are once more cut open at will.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as the home side continue to utterly dominate the tempo of this match. There is a sense of a chance for Depor as Riki collects possession before finding Gama, but the Portuguese cannot control and Coke is across to clear. This could get nasty for the away side.
Another half-chance for the home side as Navas evades two challenges before firing a low cross into the area, but Aranzubia is out to collect. In fairness to the Deportivo stopper, he has kept his side in this match in the opening 14 minutes. Deportivo have a half-chance as Gama strikes from distance, but Beto is on hand to make the save.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of giving away a host of fouls in the opposing half. Sevilla continue to look for the run of Navas down the right, with the Spaniard causing all sorts of problems with his pace. However, for the time being, Deportivo clear the danger. Little under 16 minutes on the clock at the Estadio Ramon and Sevilla lead 1-0.
Half-chance for the away side as Riki forces a free kick from Coke outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is whipped into the area by Pizzi, but Rakitic rises highest to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Gama crafts his way into the area, but he is crowded out at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes.
Another half-chance down the other end as Reyes dances past three challenges before finding Negredo in the box, but the Spaniard just cannot sort his feet out and Evaldo is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The away side really are in all sorts of problems in defence as Reyes and Navas continue to pull their central defenders wide at each opportunity.
Slightly better from Deportivo in the last couple of moments as Bergantinos and Aguilar start to enjoy some possession in midfield. However, they just cannot find a way through this stern Sevilla defence. Make no mistake about it, with the likes of Riki, Gama and Pizzi, they have players that can hurt Sevilla this evening. They just have to keep battling for that one opportunity.
Another half-chance comes for the away side as Gama forces a free kick just wide of the penalty area. The resulting set piece is once more taken by Pizzi, but Beto comes a long way to clear the danger. The counter attack is led by Navas as the winger finds Kondogbia, but his shot is pushed wide by Aranzubia.
The chances continue to fall for the home side as Fazio meets a corner from Reyes, but the defender can only head over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - will have a huge effect on the final result. Will Sevilla be made to rue their missed chances? We have not seen too much from Negredo thus far.
Sevilla goalkeeper Beto is called upon once more as he comes a long way to clear a free kick from Pizzi, much to the relief of his defenders. Deportivo are just starting to grow into this match as we approach the 30-minute mark. A reminder that three points for the away side this evening would move them off the bottom of the table. However, they have won just three times thus far this season.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-0 Deportivo (Medel)
The home side have their second of the evening as Medel meets a cross from Reyes in the penalty area before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Rakitic looked on course to find the back of the net, but Medel almost pushed his teammate out of the way. All that matters is the score!
It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment as the home side go in search of their second. Reyes is again involved as the winger fires a low pass beyond the Deportivo defence towards Negredo, but Kaka is across to clear at the vital moment. Another half-chance arrives for Negredo moments later, but Aranzubia is out to clear.
It is difficult to see any way how Deportivo get back into this match. There are just about 13 minutes of the first period remaining and they trail 2-0. A half-chance does arrive for the basement outfit as Pizzi combines with Pizzi before driving into the box, but Coke is out to clear. Solid defensive performance from the home side thus far.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-2 Deportivo (Riki)
Wow! Who saw that coming?! The away side are back into this match entirely against the run of play as Gama drives a low cross into the penalty area, with Riki on hand to turn home from close range. Silence inside the Estadio Ramon. Game on!
Well, it would probably be fair to admit that not too many people expected a classic this evening. But there have been three goals in a thoroughly entertaining 35 minutes of football. This first period has just flown by. Another half-chance comes for Negredo, but once more the Sevilla striker cannot fashion a shooting chance in the box.
Slight sense of frustration from the home supporters which is quite extraordinary with their team in control of proceedings this evening. It is end-to-end football, however, as Navas comes close for Sevilla before Riki fires wide down the other end. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, with Sevilla leading 2-1.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Kondogbia, who arrives late in a challenge with Silvio. A fine pass from Gama creates a chance for Riki moments later, but his effort is deflected narrowly over the crossbar. You cannot say that they haven't had chances. Wonderful entertainment on this Friday evening in Seville. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-1 Deportivo (Medel)
Medel cannot quite believe it as he gets on the scoresheet for the second time. It's wonderful from the young full-back Mpreno as he drives a low cross into the penalty area, with Medel on hand to score from close range. But where was the defending?!
Another half-chance for the home side as Reyes combines with Medel before driving into the penalty area, but Kaka is across to clear the danger. The Brazilian Kaka that is! This score really could be anything in the second period. Deportivo have looked good going forward, but there defence has been woeful. Just woeful.
Half-chance for the away side to create another shooting chance as Koke fells Riki outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Pizzi, but Fazio is on hand to head clear. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 3-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sevilla leading 3-1. The home side opened the scoring after five minutes through Rakitic, before Medel added a second after 27 minutes. Riki had one back moments later, but Medel added another strike five minutes before the interval.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Sevilla have dominated the possession with 60%, while they have had eight shots to Deportivo's two. The fact that the away side have scored with their only shot on target tells you everything that you need to know.
What about both benches for this evening? The home side have a host of attacking options with the likes of Manu del Moral and Diawara in their squad. Deportivo also have options, however, in the shape of Valeron and Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira.
A reminder that three points for the away side this evening would move them off the bottom of the table, but as it stands they would remain rooted to the basement. Sevilla, meanwhile, would move one place to 10th with victory. The second period is just a couple of moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of events. Let me just take this moment to remind you that we have a host of La Liga football to come this weekend, starting from 4.30pm tomorrow. The home side get the second period underway.
Strong start to the half from the home side as Reyes collects possession down the left before driving into the penalty area, but Kaka is across to clear at the vital moment. Navas has a similar chance down the other side moments later, but this time Evaldo makes the challenge. Not the start that Deportivo would have wanted.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Reyes cuts into the box before driving a low cross towards Medel, but Aranzubia is out to collect. Meanwhile, the first change of the match is made by Unai Emery as Koke, who had been booked, is replaced by Botia.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes with both sides guilty of some poor passing in midfield. Reyes is again involved for the home side as he meets a cross from Medel, but his effort is deflected well wide of the goal. Another goal for Sevilla and this match is well and truly over. Another goal for Deportivo and it is very much game on.
Slightly sloppy from the home side in the last couple of minutes as they give away two free kicks outside the penalty area. Both are taken by Pizzi, but the Portuguese's delivery lets him down on both occasions. I wonder if he will be on the next one?! It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment.
A half-chance does arrive for the away side as Pizzi finds Gama in the penalty area, but the Portuguese can only head over the crossbar from close range. That was indeed the chance to get back into this match. Unai Emery has just stepped onto the touchline in an attempt to raise his side, who have been slacking since the early stages of the half.
It is the away fans that are making most of the noise as we approach the hour mark in this match. Whatever happens to Depor in this match and indeed this season, their supporters will continue to back them against the odds. It is what they do. Navas comes close to making it four with a powerful strike from outside the box, but Aranzubia collects with ease.
Depor make their first change of the match and it is a familiar face as Valeron replaces Bergantinos, who has struggled with the pace this evening. It is nice to see that the former received a warm reception from the home supporters. A similar situation occurred with Manchester United's Ryan Giggs at Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Slightly better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Rakitic collects a pass from Reyes before combining with Medel, but the midfielder cannot find an attempt on goal. It must be said that Moreno has been sensational for Sevilla this evening. I suspect that the youngster will be getting some more minutes on the field in the coming weeks.
Slight disappointment about this second period thus far with it failing to live up to the excitement from the first half. Sevilla create a couple of half-chances in quick succession as Reyes and Navas take it in turns to whip crosses into the box, but the danger is cleared on each occasion. It has not been Negredo's night thus far.
The pressure continues from the home side as Medel dances into the penalty area before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Who would have thought that he was on a hat-trick this evening?! Depor break down the other end with Riki, but Botia has his name taken as he comes across to make the challenge.
Sevilla continue to concede free kicks in and around their penalty area, but thus far the quality from Depor side has not been up to the required standard. Meanwhile, the away side make their second change as Oliveira comes on to replace Assuncao, who has struggled this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance comes to the home side as Navas fires a high cross into the penalty area towards Reyes, but Silvio comes across to chest back to his own goalkeeper. The away side attack down the other end with Riki, who forces a corner, but once more the quality of the set piece leaves a lot to be desired. Sevilla lead 3-1 as we enter the latter stages of this match.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to add their fourth as Reyes finds the head of Negredo in the penalty area, but somehow he fires his effort wide. It really has not been his night this evening as he dives into a dangerous challenge with Kaka moments later.
The home side make their second change of the match as Reyes, who has been impressive this evening, is replaced by Manu del Moral. Rakitic attempts to add his second moments later as he strikes a powerful effort from distance, but it was almost moving wide of the target. Little over 15 minutes of the match remaining.
Navas continues to cause problems to the away side as he picks up possession before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but once more it just evades Negredo, with Silvio on hand to clear. Depor hit the side netting down the other end moments later through Pizzi, but the goal continues to elude them.
It's all one-way traffic at the moment as Rakitic strikes a powerful effort from distance, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Depor just appear to have run out of legs as they make their third change of the match with Riki being replaced by Diogo Salamao.
CHANCE! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Pizzi meets a cross from Gama, but Beto is on hand to make a stunning point-blank save. The Portuguese has not had too much to do this evening, but that is just about as good as it gets. That was the chance to maybe sneak something in the final 10 minutes.
Kondogbia appears to have a slight problem here as he hits the deck under a challenge with Silvio, but it appears to be a touch of cramp rather than something serious. The home side take no chances, however, as the third and final change is made with Stevanovic replacing the powerful Frenchman, who was once more been impressive this evening.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Silvio whips a dangerous cross into the box, Depor want a penalty as Botia appears to handle, but the referee is simply not interested as he waves play on. Hang on?! We have not seen a red card in this match yet. That is rare for La Liga this season. But there are still six minutes of normal time remaining.
CHANCE! Wow! Beto is up to his old tricks once more as the Sevilla goalkeeper makes a stunning save from a Pizzi header. He simply had no right to get any sort of hand to that effort. Sevilla come close down the other end with Negredo, but the Spaniard can only fire wide.
Lively end to this match as the away side continue to create chances, but it appears that it will be the same old story with their defence costing them. They have plenty going forward, but they just will not remain in this division with the standard of their defending. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Sevilla create a couple of half-chances of their own as Navas forces two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Kaka before Aranzubia claims the second. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Deportivo will not end this match with any points, but they have been much-improved in the second period. The scoreline certainly does not tell the whole story, with the away side more than matching Sevilla in the second 45 minutes. Not too much to report as we enter the final 30 seconds of this La Liga fixture.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 3-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. An entertaining 90 minutes of football is brought to an end with Sevilla recording a 3-1 win over Deportivo, who remain bottom of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football tomorrow. Until then!
