Sunday's final La Liga clash pitted Sevilla against Valencia at the Estadio Ramon.
Both sides had opportunities in an open first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the break.
Valencia were reduced to 10 men in the early stages of the second period after Ricardo Costa was shown a second yellow card for handball.
The home side had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot after 63 minutes, but Diego Alves denied Ivan Rakitic.
Sevilla, who also finished with 10 men following a red card for Denis Cheryshev, continued to threaten in the latter stages, but Valencia held firm to extend their unbeaten run in the league to five matches.
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 Ramon and it is a real cracker as Sevilla welcome Valencia. An eight-match unbeaten run suggested that Sevilla could make a late push for the top four, but they have lost each of their last three games in the league, with that run of form leaving them in ninth position.
Valencia, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of successive wins over Barcelona and Real Betis. It has been a disappointing campaign thus far, but they still have hope of a European finish. That said, despite their victory in the Camp Nou at the start of the month, they have been fairly poor on the road in La Liga, losing six of their 11 matches.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Sevilla have won three of the last five matches, with Valencia also picking up two wins during that run of fixtures. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 4-3 Sevilla win, but Valencia were 3-1 winners when the pair met at the Mestalla earlier this season.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Fazio, Pareja, Moreno; Carrico, Iborra; Vitolo, Rakitic, Reyes; Bacca
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, R.Costa, Mathieu, Bernat; Fuego, Parejo; Feghouli, Vargas, Fede; Alcacer
So there we have it. No Kevin Gameiro in the Sevilla XI this evening with Jose Antonio Reyes and Vitolo tasked with supporting leading scorer Carlos Bacca. Valencia, meanwhile, leave Jonas and new signing Keita on the bench, but Vargas and Fede Cartabia are both in the XI. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Seville. Let's hope for goals.
It must be said that there is a terrific atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is not much of a surprise. The home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Iborra and Rakitic enjoying touches of the ball. I have a feeling that we could be in for a real classic this evening.
Strong pressure from Valencia in the last couple of moments as they keep the ball in and around the Sevilla box, but the latest attack comes to an end when Feghouli fells Moreno. Sevilla attempt to break down the other end with Reyes, but the Spaniard is crowded out in the final third. Good intensity to the early stages at the Estadio Ramon.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but the Spaniard has not deemed it necessary to look to his pocket thus far. Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment as the match continues to flow from end-to-end.
First half-chance of the match falls to Sevilla as Reyes finds Rakitic from a corner, but his low effort is cleared by Barragan. The home side continue to force the issue with another corner down the right, but once more the danger is cleared. The opening eight minutes has flown past in the Estadio Ramon.
Valencia continue to press Sevilla in their own half, which is making it difficult for the home side to feed Rakitic in the middle of the park. The away side have a half-chance as Fede feeds Feghouli down the right, but the midfielder cannot return the favour at the vital moment with Fazio on hand to clear at the near post.
Just a few signs that Sevilla are starting to warm to their task as they force the issue outside the Valencia box, but they are finding it difficult to break through in the final third. The away side remain a threat on the counter with the pace of Fede, but the final pass has not been there thus far. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valencia on the counter as Alcacer finds Vargas inside the Sevilla box, but the Chilean decides against shooting and the danger is cleared. Surely the attacker should have put his foot through it. Down the other end, Bacca is denied by an acrobatic challenge from Mathieu.
Sevilla want a penalty as Mathieu appears to handle an effort from Reyes inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. The intensity has risen in the last few moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third. However, still goalless in Seville.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bacca to send Sevilla into the lead as he bursts beyond Mathieu, but the French defender makes a fine recovery to clear at the vital moment. The opportunities are starting to arrive with 19 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Alcacer to send Valencia into the lead as the young Spaniard finds himself all alone outside the Sevilla box, but he drags his effort just wide of the post. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as chances continue to arrive at both ends.
Neither side is really in control of proceedings at the moment with both sides enjoying positive spells in the final third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
Brilliant defending from Costa as the Valencia defender denies Rakitic on the edge of the box. The Croatian found himself all alone, but the Portuguese was on hand with a strong challenge. Valencia attempt to break with Fede, but the Spaniard is forced into a wide area and the move eventually breaks down.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Valencia remain a threat on the counter with their pacey frontline, but Sevilla are winning the midfield battle. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Rakitic attempts to thread a through pass towards Bacca, but Costa is on hand to clear the danger. Valencia break with Fede, but once more the youngster is forced to retreat. Still goalless as the first period continues to gather pace, but both sides have had opportunities.
Two penalty shouts for Valencia as Pareja appears to handle inside the box after Feghouli is brought down by Iborra, but the referee is not interested. The away side continue to threaten on the counter, but they are finding it difficult to really threaten Beto. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It is almost like a basketball match at the moment with the match flowing from end-to-end. Valencia have another positive moment on the counter attack as Alcacer feeds Parejo inside the box, but Carrico is on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Not too much from Sevilla with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at the Estadio Ramon.
Sevilla threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Barragan clears the danger before Fazio is penalised for jumping into Valencia goalkeeper Alves. The home supporters continue to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the first period enters its latter stages in Seville.
Half-chance for Valencia as Vargas strikes one from outside the box, but his effort moves wide of the post. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Still goalless with 39 minutes on the clock.
Feghouli takes matters into his own hands for Valencia as the midfielder collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked, meanwhile, due to a number of late challenges in the middle of the park.
Ricardo Costa enters the book for the away side following a challenge on Bacca, who has stooped to head the ball. The resulting set piece is delivered by Rakitic, but Alves rises to clear under pressure from Fazio. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Brazilian.
HALF TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Both have had opportunities to open the scoring in an open first period, but neither goalkeeper has been beaten thus far. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Sevilla have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but they have had just four attempts to Valencia's eight. It has been a fairly feisty half in terms of challenges, but the referee has issued just the two bookings - one for either side.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Cristoforo, Cheryshev, Jairo Samperio and Gameiro. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Jonas, Keita and Michel in reserve. You just get the feeling that it could be a match decided from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Sevilla would remain in ninth spot in the table, while Valencia would remain 10th. However, I would be surprised if this match finished goalless. The away side get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. Bright start to the half from Valencia as Fede breaks down the left, but his cross is cleared by the towering Fazio. Sevilla break with Coke, but his final ball drifts behind for a goal kick.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead as Vargas feeds Fede inside the Sevilla box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The interval has done nothing to quell the end-to-end football in Seville. Moments later, Sevilla are given a free kick just outside the box as Costa is penalised for handball.
RED CARD! Costa (Valencia)
Costa is given his second yellow card and indeed his marching orders for handball just outside the box. Brilliant opportunity for Sevilla to open the scoring.
The resulting set piece is taken by Rakitic, but his effort is straight into the wall before Valencia manage to hack the ball clear. Replays have shown that Costa handled just inside the box and therefore a penalty should have been awarded.
Valencia make their first change of the match and it is their January signing from Fulham Senderos that enters the field in place of Fede. It is a shame for the youngster, but the away side are in need of an extra defender. Can Sevilla make use of their man advantage? Still goalless with 54 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments with Valencia dealing with the pressure from the home side. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to claim all the points in this particular match. Vitolo has a snap-shot from close range, but Mathieu is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment.
Half-chance for the home side as Rakitic strikes one from distance, but Alves is on hand to make the save. Moments later, the referee has a quiet word with Valencia boss Pizzi, who has been left frustrated in the last few minutes. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining, with the score still level at 0-0.
Double change for the home side as Reyes and Pareja make way for Gameiro and Cheryshev. Sevilla boss Unai Emery senses an opportunity to claim all the points this evening. It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for Valencia at the moment as the away side continue to clear their lines. Surely they cannot resist the pressure for the best part of 30 minutes.
PENALTY TO SEVILLA!
Sevilla are awarded a penalty as Cheryshev is bundled to the floor following a clash with Juan Bernat. Slightly harsh in my view. Brilliant opportunity for the home side to break the deadlock.
SAVE! Another missed penalty for Rakitic as Alves makes a stunning save to deny the Croatian. Game on!
Poor penalty from Rakitic, but it was a wonderful save from Alves, who has been brilliant this evening. The referee has been card happy in the last few moments with a number of Valencia players booked for dissent. Little over 25 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining in Seville.
Valencia are unbeaten in their last four matches and that form will hand them confidence in the remaining 20 minutes or so. Sevilla continue to dominate in the final third, but they cannot find a way through. Wouldn't it be just like Sevilla if they conceded while in complete control.
Valencia just cannot keep the ball at the moment with Alcacer forced to chase shadows in the final third. It would not be a surprise to see Jonas introduced in the final stages. The Brazilian has more of a presence about him than the young forward. Sevilla threaten with another free kick into the Valencia box, but once more the danger is cleared.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Iborra meets a free kick from Rakitic, but Alves is on hand to make a wonderful save. How good has the Brazilian been this evening?! Sensational goalkeeping once more. Moments later, Valencia make a change as former Barcelona midfielder Keita replaces Alcacer.
Sevilla continue to threaten with a series of crosses into the Valencia box, but the away side clear the danger on each occasion. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match. Valencia are under serious pressure, but they remain a threat on the counter attack. Little over 15 minutes remaining.
Groans around the stadium as Cheryshev strikes one high and wide of the crossbar for the home side as Valencia survive another period of pressure. The away side have the chance to deliver a deep free kick into Sevilla territory moments later, but Fazio is on hand to clear. Still goalless with 76 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Iborra meets a corner from Rakitic, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar. Whistles around the stadium at the moment as another attack comes to an end. Plenty of attempts this evening, but there has been just the three shots on target in Seville.
Senderos is perhaps a shade fortunate for Valencia as the Swiss centre-back appears to bundle into Sevilla goalkeeper Beto, but the referee does not award the defender a second yellow. Vargas, however, does enter the book for stopping Beto from taking a quick free kick. The one-way traffic continues with little over 10 minutes remaining, but clear chances have been at a premium.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bacca finds some space inside the box before rolling a low cross into the box, but Barragan is on hand to clear the danger. It appears that Valencia are preparing to make their third and final change with Pereira receiving his final instructions. Can Valencia hold on at the Estadio Ramon?
Indeed the change is made for Valencia as Portuguese right-back Pereira enters the field in place Parejo. Defensive change from Pizzi with little over five minutes remaining. Even at this stage of proceedings, you just get the feeling that there is a goal in the match. Sevilla continue to force the issue on their own patch.
Valencia just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Sevilla continue to threaten with cross after cross into the box, but the away side continue to clear the danger. Eventually Carrico tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
Sevilla make their third and final change as Cristoforo replaces Iborra. The home side want another penalty as Moreno goes down inside the box under pressure from Pereira, but the referee is not interested. More frustration for the home supporters with 89 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to take the lead as Bacca meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. Moments before, Fazio had been pulled down by Senderos, but the referee was not interested.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the third of those. Not much has changed in the last couple of moments with Valencia still resisting the pressure. Is there to be late, late drama in Seville?
RED CARD! Cheryshev (Sevilla)
The referee issues Cheryshev his second yellow card for simulation under contact from Mathieu inside the Valencia box. Another close call. It appears that Valencia will survive as they clear the danger once more.
FULL TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with the score level at 0-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
