Sevilla 1-1 Deportivo La Coruna: Los Nervionenses Into Fourth Place

The race for the Champions League spots is on.

Mar 13, 2010 5:50:00 PM

By Arjun Miglani

Federico Fazio - Sevilla (AFP)
Sevilla 1-1 Deportivo La Coruna - Lineups/Stats

La Liga - Fixtures/Results
Sevilla and Deportivo shared the spoils on Saturday night, meaning that the hosts are now in fourth place.

Alvaro Negredo continued to lead the line for Sevilla, while Adrian did the honours for Deportivo.

It was a cagey beginning from both sides, as they looked to earn the result that would increase their chances of playing Champions League football next season. Indeed, the first goal came from the first genuine chance, as Federico Fazio headed Diego Perotti's cross home in the 21st minute, with Daniel Aranzubia's attempted save not up to the highest standard.

The goal sparked the game into life, and Depor equalized minutes later, when Adrian turned Andres Guardado's low cross into the net. Both sides looked dangerous, and Sevilla came close once more, but Negredo just failed to get on the end of Perotti's free-kick.



On 37 minutes, Juan Valeron chipped the ball over the defence to releasse Guardado, but the Mexican shot wide when through on goal. That proved to be the last chance of the first half, as both sides entered the break seeking a winner in the second.

Sevilla had the first chance of the second half, when Aranzubia dropped a corner onto Negredo's head, but recovered in time to save the resulting effort. Then, on the hour mark, Luis Fabiano, who had replaced Negredo, headed Jesus Navas' cross onto the bar.

With twenty minutes left, Adrian flicked the ball into Juan Dominguez's path, but his strike was parried by Andres Palop. Meawhile, at the other end, Aranzubia did likewise after Fabiano had been set up by Navas.

There were ten minutes left when Marius Stankevicius had his effort on goal, a long range drive that looked destined for the net, but for Aranzubia's presence.

With seconds left, Sevilla earned a corner, and Fazio came inches away from scoring the winner, but his header was just wide. That proved to be the last chance of a lacklustre match, with Sevilla retaining a brief advantage in the race for fourth.

Become a fan of Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  2. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  3. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  4. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.

  5. McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date

    The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.