Sevilla’s Nigerian forwards, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams, remain unused substitutes as Oyarzabal’s brace secures victory for Real Sociedad.
In a tightly contested La Liga fixture at the Reale Seguros Stadium, Real Sociedad edged out Sevilla 2–1. Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half brace proved decisive, while Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj pulled one back in the 30th minute. Nigerian forwards Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams were named in the matchday squad but did not feature in the game.
How The Match Unfolded
The match commenced with Real Sociedad asserting dominance early on. In the 19th minute, Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Sevilla’s Fábio Cardoso handled the ball in the area. Sevilla responded swiftly, with Gudelj scoring in the 30th minute to equalize. However, Oyarzabal restored Sociedad’s lead in the 36th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Despite several attempts, Sevilla couldn’t find an equalizer in the second half, and the match ended 2–1 in favor of the hosts.
Stats
Possession: Real Sociedad 46.7% – Sevilla 53.3%
Shots on Goal: Real Sociedad 3 – Sevilla 1
Total Shots: Real Sociedad 4 – Sevilla 4
Corner Kicks: Real Sociedad 1 – Sevilla 9
Yellow Cards: Real Sociedad 0 – Sevilla 3
Saves: Real Sociedad 0 – Sevilla 1
The Decisive Moment
The pivotal moment came in the 36th minute when Oyarzabal capitalized on a defensive error to score his second goal, giving Real Sociedad a lead they would not relinquish.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Real Sociedad, the victory is a crucial three points, lifting them to 14th place in the La Liga standings with 9 points. This win provides momentum as they aim to improve their league position and avoid relegation.
For Sevilla, the defeat is a setback. Despite dominating possession, they were unable to convert their chances into goals. The absence of Nigerian forwards Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams from the field raises questions about their roles in the team moving forward.
Reaction and What’s Next
Sevilla’s coach, Matías Almeyda, acknowledged the team’s defensive errors, stating, “We make too many gifts, and in football, no one gives anything away.” He emphasized the need for improvement in upcoming matches, particularly in their defensive organization.
Looking ahead, Sevilla will face Atlético Madrid on November 1st, a crucial match where they will seek to bounce back and secure points. For Ejuke and Adams, opportunities to feature in the starting lineup may arise, and they will need to capitalize on any chances to impress. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.