Seville secured a long-awaited victory at the RCDE Stadium, a 3-0 lead built in the first half as Espanyol opened with momentum. Lamela and Carmona found the net, but the visitors pushed ahead to a commanding rhythm as the game wore on, adding goals from Joselu via a penalty and from Braithwaite. The shift in tempo left Espanyol with a late heart rate spike and Sevilla with a lift that echoed through their squad.
The Andalusians earned their first La Liga Santander win of the season, providing relief to coach Julen Lopetegui who faced a challenging trip to Cornellá-El Prat. While earlier results against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés showed promise, Sevilla had not yet translated that into a home result.
This moment underscored the passion of the competition and the color of the fans. Congratulations to Jose Ángel Carmona on his first goal in the match. #EspanyolSevillaFC #LaLigaSantander
– LaLiga
As the game unfolded, Erik Lamela’s breathtaking run undermined Espanyol’s early momentum, striking in just 40 seconds after receiving a precise ball through the middle. The Spaniards adjusted quickly, pressuring Sevilla, yet Carmona finished a rebound in the 27th minute following a save that left En-Nesyri’s header unproductive. The 0-2 scoreline set a disheartening tone for the home side.
In the ensuing minutes, Joselu created a chance that clipped the post in the 42nd minute, but Espanyol still faced a difficult afternoon. Carmona struck again just before halftime after a defensive miscue, doubling Sevilla’s lead.
Joselu tried to spark a response after the break, missing the decisive control but forcing a moment of danger. The rebound fell to Braithwaite, who converted to narrow the gap to 2-3 in the 62nd minute, keeping Espanyol in the contest for a time.
The match remained open into the final stages, with Espanyol seeking a dramatic equalizer. A late moment altered the frame when Acuña appeared to handle in the area during stoppage time, prompting a protest and a decision that kept Sevilla ahead. Joselu’s angled strike hit the left post, preserving the advantage for Sevilla and shaping a tense finale.
After the break, Lopetegui reorganized his defense, reinforcing the lines with measured substitutions to manage the late-stage pressure. Espanyol pressed with renewed energy, but Sevilla held firm and prevented a full comeback, even as Lamela received a second yellow and was dismissed late on, a moment that cemented the match’s outcome.
The match, played in front of a spirited 20,135 spectators, illustrated the drama of La Liga Santander on the fifth matchday, with Sevilla ultimately tasting victory and Espanyol left with work ahead as the season progressed.
Data sheet:
2 – Spanish: Alvaro Fernandez; Óscar Gil, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Oliván; Vini Souza, Darder, Edu Expósito; Puado, Braithwaite and Joselu.
3 – Seville: Connect; José Ángel Carmona, Gudelj, Kike Salas, Acuña; Fernando, Jordán, Óliver Torres; Lamela, Isco and En-Nesyri.
Goals: 0-1: Erik Lamela, 1st min. 0-2: Carmona, 27th min. 0-3: Carmona, 45th min. 1-3: Joselu (p.) 47th min. 2-3: Braithwaite, 62nd min.
Judges: Cuadra Fernández. Lamela expelled for two warnings (29th and 84th). Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui (55th) and players Óscar Gil (12th), Joselu (42nd), Vini Souza (62nd), Fernando (94th) and En-Nesyri (97th) noted for events during the match.
Events: The fifth La Liga Santander matchday featured 20,135 spectators at the RCDE Stadium.