Belgian forward Lukebakio joined Sevilla and, much like Sergio Ramos did when he returned to his formative club, delivered a pivotal moment by scoring in the second half to claim the first win of the season for his new team. The goal came in a match that started with promise but proved stubborn for Seville, as the visitors from Las Palmas defended stoutly and forced the home side to work for every inch of the pitch.
Even though the focus centered on the prospect of Sergio Ramos anchoring the starting lineup after joining two weeks earlier, the clash quickly became a heated affair. Both teams had a point to prove in the opening weekend of the campaign, and the stakes rose as Sevilla sought to turn early pressure into points, while Las Palmas aimed to disrupt the Andalusian outfit and snatch a result away from home.
Sevilla entered the game with a record of three defeats in the season so far, a worrying sign for a squad with ambitions to reassert itself at a high level. The defense showed vulnerabilities that Las Palmas sought to exploit, yet the Canary Islands club also faced a stern test against a team rich in attacking talent. After a stretch of four fixtures without a win, the need for a lift was clear for both teams.
Midfielder Jonathan Viera managed to puncture the monotony of Las Palmas’ approach by pushing forward into the penalty area and playing a dangerous ball that skimmed just past the post, denying Sevilla a simple clearance in the final minutes of the first half. His movement illustrated Las Palmas’ willingness to press high and force errors, even as Sevilla began to control possession and push for a breakthrough.
Sevilla quickly regained initiative after the restart and began to mount sustained pressure. Rafa Mir, stepping into an attacking role close to Youssef En-Nesyri, found themselves challenging the visiting goalkeeper, with Álvaro Valles, a product of Betis’ youth system, called into action on successive occasions as Sevilla probed the goal with urgency. The home side’s attacks tested Las Palmas’ resolve and kept the visitors pinned back in their own half.
Despite the early pressure, Sevilla found it difficult to unlock Las Palmas’ tightly organized defense. Munir El Haddadi, returning to the fold after time away, crafted opportunities but was unable to beat the goalkeeper on several key moments. The match remained a balance of power, with Sevilla attempting to convert possession into clear chances while Las Palmas looked for quick counters to swing the tempo in their favor.
As the half wore on, Lucas Ocampos saw his efforts ruled offside, and Oliver Torres delivered a meaningful assist before his involvement ended in an offside call. The game entered a phase where both teams exchanged attacks without finding the decisive moment to alter the scoreline, leaving the spectators in a state of anticipation for a game that could tilt at any moment.
The second half burst into rapid action as Sevilla sought to seize control and Las Palmas refused to surrender. Álvaro Valle continued to be tested by the hosts, replying with sharp saves to deny the advancing attackers. The visitors also carved out opportunities through quick transitions, including a notable chance involving Dmitrovic that reminded everyone of the fragility of defences when under sustained pressure.
Sandro Ramírez and Sergio Ramos combined at moments to threaten Guinea Sory Kaba and create openings in the Las Palmas back line. The frantic pace underscored a game that could swing in an instant, with the 0-0 deadlock hanging by a thread as both sides pushed to break it open.
In a period marked by fast transitions and a willingness to take risks, En-Nesyri entered the fray and looked to make an impact. Valle again kept Las Palmas in the contest, making a crucial stop that preserved the balance and prevented a breakthrough that could have shifted the result decisively in Sevilla’s favor.
On the bench, on the grass, and in the stands alike, the Sevilla faithful celebrated Lukebakio’s decisive moment. The goal, which arrived in the 71st minute as Lukebakio delivered the assist to his teammate, underscored his importance to the side and provided the catalyst for the much-needed victory. Despite Las Palmas’ late push to salvage a draw, the home team held firm and secured the first three points of Sevilla’s campaign.
That sequence capped a game in which Lukebakio, who also contributed with a key pass in the buildup, sealed the result with a well-placed finish. The scoring moment proved enough to secure the win, even as Las Palmas continued to press at the end of the match in search of an equalizer. The contest illustrated the volatility and excitement that define early-season football, where a single goal can redefine a team’s trajectory and set the tone for the weeks ahead.