Youssef En-Nesyri struck in overtime to break the deadlock at 2-1, delivering a crucial victory for Sevilla and keeping their fight against relegation on track. Villarreal had hoped to tighten their grip on European football, but the defeat leaves them short of a steady upgrade in the table. The Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán became a center of celebration for Sevilla fans as they rode the April Fair to a dramatic triumph.
Rafa Mir had given Sevilla the lead in the opening period, while Pau Torres equalized early in the second half. En-Nesyri eventually produced the clincher, a moment that showcased the hosts’ early intensity and Villarreal’s growing momentum as the match wore on.
En-Nesyri’s presence was a sign of the night’s mood at the festival atmosphere surrounding the match. Flowing runs and decisive touches from the Sevilla forward swung the momentum in their favor, and the forward’s finish proved decisive for the home side. The celebration echoed around the city as Sevilla fans savored the late winner.
Sevilla’s victory is also a respite for the city’s eternal rivals, Betis, who, despite losing in Pamplona, still sit comfortably in the fifth spot in the standings. The outcome kept the local derbies alive in the minds of fans and reinforced the ongoing drama at the top end of the table.
Both teams entered the clash with contrasting trajectories. The visitors arrived seeking urgency after a recent setback, while Sevilla had just navigated a demanding stretch of fixtures. The home side, coming off a mixed run in La Liga and European competition, aimed to push clear of the relegation danger zone, turning the match into a test of stamina and resolve. The schedule between the midweek European commitments and league clashes offered little respite, and both sides faced the challenge of balancing fatigue with the appetite for three points.
On the night, Sevilla faced a robust start from Villarreal. The visitors pressed high, looking to impose themselves early and test Pepe Reina as the veteran goalkeeper anchored the Sevilla defense. The pace created exciting moments, with Sánchez-Pizjuán buzzing as the ball pinged around the pitch. After about a quarter of an hour, the balance shifted as J. Luis Morales was forced off due to an injury, prompting tactical adjustments and fresh legs off the bench for both sides.
Sevilla remained sharp in the attacking phases, earning a chance with a well-timed cross that Rafa Mir converted for the opening goal. Villarreal responded with intent, equalizing through Pau Torres, and the contest pivoted into a tense second half. The visitors showed resilience, pressing high and testing the Sevilla rearguard, while En-Nesyri and his teammates pursued a late winner. A sequence of near misses and strong saves kept the suspense high, with VAR checks and close calls adding to the drama before the game broke open in extra time.
Villarreal pushed for a second goal and a possible comeback, forcing Sevilla to weather a spell of pressure. Dani Parejo and Étienne Capoue collected cautions as both teams traded blows in a high-intensity battle. Yet En-Nesyri’s late lung-busting run and finish delivered the decisive moment, lifting Sevilla and sealing a valuable three points for the hosts. The night belonged to the home side, whose depth and determination ultimately decided the result.
The match highlighted the contrasting paths of the two clubs. Villarreal had shown flashes of quality and collected chances, while Sevilla balanced a demanding calendar with ambition for league stability and European qualification. The result added a new chapter to the season’s narrative, reinforcing the importance of consistency and timing in top-flight football and leaving fans eager for the next clash between these rivals. (Source: MovistarPlus)