Real Valladolid welcomed Sevilla to the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on Sunday evening knowing that three points would have moved them out of the relegation zone.
Sevilla had the lead inside two minutes, however, when Carlos Bacca found the bottom corner with a powerful effort, before Alberto Moreno made it 2-0 in the latter stages of the first period.
Valladolid had one back late on courtesy of Manucho, before Patrick Ebert's stunning free kick secured a share of the spoils with little more than five minutes remaining.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla as Real Valladolid welcome Sevilla. As mentioned, the home side have won just one of their eight league matches this season, with that run of form leaving them in the relegation zone in the early part of the season.
Sevilla, meanwhile, really struggled in the opening couple of weeks, but have found some form in recent matches. They are unbeaten in their last three in the league, winning twice in the process. As it stands, they are in 13th spot in the table, but are already eight points off fourth, which is currently occupied by Villarreal.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valladolid have won two of the last five, with Sevilla also winning once and the further two ending in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Valladolid were 2-1 winners when they travelled to the Estadio Ramon in December 2012.
TEAMS:
REAL VALLADOLID: Marino; Rukavina, Rueda, Valiente, Pena; Baraja, Rossi; Ebert, Omar, Bergdich; Guerra
SEVILLA: Beto; Navarro, Pareja, Carrico, Cala; Figueiras, Iborra, Vitolo, Moreno; Jairo, Bacca
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Valladolid XI this evening with Javi Guerra and Omar Ramos both selected. However, there is no place for former Manchester United striker Manucho. Sevilla boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, leaves summer signing Kevin Gameiro on the bench, with Carlos Bacca leading the line. Right, the away side get the first period underway on this warm evening in Spain.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-1 Sevilla (Bacca)
Oh my word. Sevilla take the lead inside two minutes as Bacca thumps a powerful effort into the bottom corner. That has silenced the stadium this evening. That is goal number seven for the season for the Colombian striker.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Valladolid have really struggled for form this season and they have made the worst possible start here. They win a free kick in the Sevilla half after Moreno fells Baraja, but the resulting set piece comes to nothing.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Cala as the Sevilla defender fells Guerra just inside the centre circle. Just a few signs that the home side are starting to warm to the task as they enjoy a period of possession, but the sequence ends when Rossi's through pass is collected by Beto in the Sevilla goal.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Sevilla will not mind this stop-start tempo of the match, with the home supporters growing more frustrated. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match.
Half-chance for the home side as Bergdich finds Ebert on the opposite wing, but the German's effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Valladolid will attempt to get the latter on the ball whenever possible this evening there is no question about that. The opening 11 minutes of this contest has just flown past.
Bergdich takes matters into his own hands moments later as he collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. In fairness to Valladolid, they have responded to falling behind inside two minutes. However, it is all very scrappy in the middle of the park.
Bacca has a half-chance for the away side as he collects a pass from Iborra before attempting to flash one into the bottom corner, but Marino is across to make a fine save. Sevilla are set up to play on the counter this evening, which makes their early goal all the more effective. Still 1-0 to the away side with 16 minutes on the clock.
The home supporters call for a penalty as Guerra tumbles inside the Sevilla box, but the referee is not interested. The pressure continues as Bergdich delivers another dangerous cross into the box, but Navarro clears the danger. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score during this spell of pressure.
The midfield is not a place for the faint-hearted this evening as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. However, the referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings thus far. The home supporters have found their voices once more, which is raising the atmosphere on the pitch. Sevilla continue to lead with 21 minutes on the clock in Valladolid.
Strange challenge from Rossi as the Valladolid midfielder enters the book for a tug on Vitolo inside the home side's half. Sevilla have a half-chance moments later as Iborra looks for the run of Bacca, but Marino is out to claim at the vital moment. High-tempo opening 23 minutes of football in this La Liga contest.
Opportunity for Moreno to force the issue for Sevilla as the Spanish international drives down the left, but his cross moves over the head of everybody and out for a goal kick. Valladolid attempt to force the issue down the other end, but Ramos's low cross is cleared by Carrico.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Ebert remains the main outlet for the home side, but there have been no takers on any of his crosses thus far. Sevilla boss Unai Emery will be happy with what he has seen thus far.
Bacca has another shooting opportunity as he beats two defenders outside the box, but this time his effort just moves wide of the post. It did appear a strange decision for Emery to leave out Gameiro this evening, but Bacca has been impressive in the opening 30 minutes of this match. His goal remains the difference.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-2 Sevilla (Moreno)
Sevilla have their second of the evening as Moreno pounces on a loose ball outside the box before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Stunning strike from the Spanish international.
It is a long way back for Valladolid from this position there is no question about that. Sevilla go in search of their third as Vitolo wins a free kick just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Pareja, but his effort is straight into the arms of Marino.
Carrico is the latest to enter the book for a challenge on Rossi inside the centre circle. The resulting set piece is delivered deep into the Sevilla box, but Beto is on hand to collect the danger. Comfortable for the away side, but you just get the feeling that their terrible away form in recent seasons could play on their mind in the second period.
Guerra is doing his best to lead the line for the home side, but he is really struggling at the moment as he gives away two fouls in quick succession. Sevilla boss Unai Emery was criticised in the build-up to this match after confirming that he would name a defensive team, but he has got his tactics spot on thus far there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Sevilla come close to adding their third as Moreno tries one from outside the box, but Marino just manages to backtrack to claim at the vital moment. It would have been a sensational goal on the half-volley. Little under five minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Again it is stunning work from Moreno as the left-back drives down the left before advancing into the box, but there are no takers on his low cross. Valladolid are down the other end with Ebert moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Beto. Comfortable for the away side at the moment.
Not too much to report in the latter stages of the first period with Sevilla in control of the possession. Bacca has another effort from distance moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Valladolid 0-2 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Sevilla leading 2-0. The away side were ahead inside two minutes when Bacca struck from close range, before Moreno doubled their tally after 31 minutes. Could they be about to end their long winless run away from home in the league? Be sure to remain with us for the second period.
STATISTICS: The home side have had 59% of the possession, but they have managed just two attempts, both of which have been off target. Sevilla, meanwhile, have registered five attempts on target and eight in total. The referee, meanwhile, has been forced to issue three yellow cards in a highly-charged half of football at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
BENCH WATCH: Valladolid have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Larsson, Alvaro Rubio and Manucho. Meanwhile, Sevilla have a wealth of attacking talent on their bench in the shape of Gameiro, Rabello and Jose Antonio Reyes. They are without a number of key players this evening, but the strength of their squad is being shown this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Sevilla are heading for their first La Liga win on the road since September 2012. Can Valladolid turn it around in the second period? The home side get the action underway at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
One change for Valladolid at the interval with former Manchester United striker Manucho on to replace Bergdich, which is a surprise. The introduction of a striker is not a surprise, but Bergdich had been one of Valladolid's brighter players in the first period. The home side really need to start the second period on the front foot.
Valladolid have indeed made a positive start to the second period with two dangerous crosses into the box in quick succession. However, the first is cleared by Pareja, before Rossi's effort moves high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much from Sevilla as an attacking threat in the early stages of the second half.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball in the final third. The onus is certainly on Valladolid to force the issue, but they are struggling for ideas in attacking areas. Just a reminder that Sevilla have not won on the road in La Liga since September 2012.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to score their third as Figueiras finds some space inside the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. That would have surely secured all the points. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga contest.
CHANCE! Another chance for Sevilla as Bacca picks the pocket of Valiente before advancing into the Valladolid box, but he can only curl his effort wide of the post. Sevilla are impressing on the counter with their pace and movement. Still 2-0 to Sevilla with 57 minutes on the clock.
Valladolid simply cannot keep the ball at the moment with the home supporters becoming more and more frustrated with each passing moment. It appears that if we are to have another goal, then it will come to Sevilla. Are they about to end their 13-month winless run on the road in La Liga?
Sevilla were poor defensively in the early stages of the season, but they have been impressive this evening there is no question about that. Manucho wants a penalty for Valladolid as he tangles with Navarro inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Clutching at straws there. It would not be a surprise to see a couple more changes in the next five minutes or so.
Ebert takes matters into his own hands as he strikes one from outside the box, but it takes a deflection before moving high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting set piece is delivered into the box, but Pareja is on hand to clear the danger. Still no real chances for the home side in the second period.
Sevilla are in no real rush at the moment as they take their time over two corners, which does not go down well with the home supporters. The second set piece presents a half-chance to the away side, but Bacca can only turn his low effort wide of the post. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining this evening.
Half-chance for Valladolid as Manucho meets a cross from Ebert, but his header is straight into the arms of the waiting Beto. Sevilla move down the other end with Jairo moments later, but his through pass is collected by Marino. The away side are in total control of proceedings as we enter the final 20 minutes. Valladolid are out of ideas.
Double change for Valladolid as Rubio and Rama replace Baraja and Omar Ramos. Juan Ignacio Martinez has played all his cards in the second period. However, Unai Emery is yet to luck to his bench. Manucho's frustrations continue for Valladolid, meanwhile, as he gives away another free kick for jumping into Pareja, who has been very impressive this evening.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes, which is good news for Sevilla. Valladolid have struggled this season, but this is as poor as they have been for some time. Sevilla have not been asked too many questions in the second period as they continue to dominate possession. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
Half-chance for Sevilla as Jairo strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. There are some tired legs out there now, but Sevilla boss Unai Emery continues to ignore his bench. Iborra might need to be replaced here, however, as he hits the deck following a challenge with Rama.
Iborra returns to the pitch following a period of treatment. The intensity from Valladolid continues as they attempt to regain possession, but some of the football from Sevilla has been very impressive this evening. It appears that Sevilla will soon introduce former Argentina international Perotti for the latter stages.
Indeed the change is made as Perotti replaces Jairo, who has been impressive this evening. Sevilla have just started to retreat in the last couple of moments, but Valladolid continue to struggle for openings in the final third. Sevilla are well on their way to a rare away three points.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Kevin Gameiro, who joined from PSG in the summer, replaces Bacca. Not a bad sub to bring on, which is another indication of the strength of this Sevilla squad at the moment. It would not be a surprise to see the away side score a third in the latter stages.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-2 Sevilla (Manucho)
Valladolid register! No surprise that it is Manucho as the powerful striker heads a Pena cross into the back of the net. Game on at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Gameiro to score Sevilla's third as he finds himself unmarked inside the box, but he thumps his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Valladolid are leaving all sorts of space in their own half at the moment, which Sevilla are attempting to exploit.
GOAL! Valladolid 2-2 Sevilla (Ebert)
Oh my good grief. Stunning from Ebert as the German thumps a wonderful free kick into the top corner. Have Sevilla blown it?! They had been in complete control until they conceded to Manucho.
Sevilla boss Unai Emery cannot believe what he has seen in the last few moments as he stands on the touchline. Is there time for a winner?! Both sides are going for it as Vitolo whips a high cross into the Valladolid box, but Marino is on hand to claim.
How much added time is the referee going to award? Neither side can keep the ball at the moment as each exchanges periods of possession. Valladolid attempt to force the issue with a deep cross into the Sevilla box, but Beto comes through traffic to claim. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It appears that Sevilla's wait for their first away win in the league since September 2012 will continue. Both sides continue to launch high balls into the box, but to no avail.
FULL TIME: Valladolid 2-2 Sevilla
So there we have it. Incredible finish to the match as Valladolid come from behind to secure a point in a 2-2 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow from 6.30pm for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
