Sevilla president Pepe Castro urged the team to keep fighting, even in the face of uncertainty, before the decisive Champions League clash with Copenhagen. The club has built its signal strength on steady European performances, yet the Europa League remains a crucial emotional resource that keeps the squad connected to its long run of appearances in Europe.
This match demanded a victory that would honor that legacy. Sampaoli delivered a difficult result, a 3-0 win that finally settled the night after Isco found the net for the second time. Dmitrovic and two crucial saves kept Sevilla anchored against a less heralded opponent, making the victory feel earned despite the opposition’s persistence.
toothless
Sevilla began with energy, leaning on the speed of Suso and Papu Gomez, while the midfield tried to implement a plan that would allow a true reference point up front. Dolberg, brought in as a striker, did not complete an impactful 45 minutes and was withdrawn early.
Since taking charge, the Argentine coach has highlighted the project as the path for Sevilla to stop being a fragile side on Europe’s stages. Marcao showed moments of resilience, recovering quickly after losing his defensive footing and attempting to reassert control—an effort that did not fully materialize in the first half.
Turn up the volume
The atmosphere in Sánchez-Pizjuán was electric, a vivid afternoon for football in Europe. The mood in the stadium captured the intensity of an important league night on the continent, a reminder of Sevilla’s tradition in European competitions.
Despite a local starting lineup that dominated possession, Copenhagen did not abandon their plan fully. Coach Jacob Neestrup signaled patience, aiming to strike when the moment arrived. The Danes tested the reflexes of Dmitrovic, replacing Bono in goal, with a sharp effort that required a quick response.
As the game unfolded, Sevilla sought to press higher, yet Suso found himself isolated at times, left to make something happen largely on his own. A fast break by Daramy put a knot in the crowd’s stomach, underscoring the tension and the need for a sharper collective rhythm.
Sevilla’s defense held firm as the hosts pressed. A neat pass from Rakitic set up a chance for Suso, which Grabara stopped with a solid save. The moment did not immediately lead to a breakthrough, but it signaled Sevilla’s intent to press for a decisive moment.
With the halftime whistle looming, Sampaoli switched in En-Nesyri for Dolberg, signaling a shift to amplify the attack and create a more direct threat against Copenhagen.
In -Nesyri hits
Resuming after the restart, Copenhagen struck first through an opportunity that exploited Dmitrovic’s absence and hit the crossbar after a powerful volley. The call from the referee dropped a note of caution regarding a potential foul, but Sevilla remained the more ambitious side and continued to push forward with renewed energy.
A series of changes followed. Lamela, widely seen as the team’s fittest player, entered and immediately became involved in the buildup. His first touch could have become an assist for Isco, highlighting the renewed partnership between the two. The match was framed as a must-not-draw contest, and the tactical approach reflected that urgency. VAR later influenced a critical moment, keeping the scoreline in Sevilla’s favor and denying a late Copenhagen push.
As the clock moved past the hour mark, the pace intensified. En-Nesyri delivered a decisive moment, rising ahead of the defense to flick a header into a perfect position for Papu Gómez. A clean finish from Isco followed, and Montiel sealed the night with a late strike that capped a hard-fought victory.
The result left Sevilla in a strong position in Europe, a sign of growth and resilience after a season of challenges. The win reinforced the notion that Sevilla can compete at the highest level and maintain momentum heading deeper into European competition.
Card: Sevilla 3-0 Copenhagen
Sevilla: Dmitrovic, Montiel, Gudelj, Marcao, Telles, Jordan, Rakitic, Suso, Papu Gómez, Isco, En Nesyri. Substitutes: Lamela, Acuña, Dolberg, Rafa Mir.
Copenhagen: Grabara, Khocholava, Lerager, Lund, Jelert, Clem, Johaneson, Kristiansen, Daramy, Claesson, Haraldsson. Substitutes: Lund, Sorensen, Oskarlsson, Cornelius.
Goals: 1-0: Isco; 2-0: Isco; 3-0: Montiel. Referee: Benoit Bastien. Stadium: Sánchez-Pizjuán.