Seville suffered a 1-2 defeat on the third matchday of Champions League Group B, a result that makes the path to the round of 16 more delicate. The Andalusian side, now at the bottom of the group, faced a tough task after slipping to a surprising loss at Lens. The clash in Seville evolved into a highly tactical duel, with both teams aware of the stakes and the need to seize control early.
Seville finished third in the group with two points, while Arsenal, on the other hand, made a clear statement by advancing toward the knockout phase. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for the visitors with a finish just before the end of the first half, and Gabriel Jesus doubled the lead shortly after the restart. Gudelj managed to pull one back for Seville in the 58th minute, but luck did not swing in their favor as the Spanish side failed to conjure sustained pressure.
The Nervión Stadium hosted the match, where both teams understood that a win was essential. Sevilla, coached by Diego Alonso in his first Champions League campaign, had shown a solid performance previously in a 1-1 draw, while Arsenal stood top in their domestic league and looked to build on that momentum in Europe. The English side carried momentum into the encounter, seeking a third win in their campaign.
Alonso named the same starting XI against the capital club, with Dodi Lukebakio, En-Nesyri, and Lucas Ocampos forming the attacking trio. Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta opted for a largely attacking setup, restoring Tomiyasu at left-back and deploying Zinchenko in a more advanced role, a move aimed at stretching Sevillian defense and creating chances from wide areas.
The second meeting between Sevilla and Arsenal in this competition began with pace and caution. Both sides understood that risky moves could cost important points and especially the chance to stay competitive in the group. In the opening minutes, Arsenal appeared more composed and controlled the ball, looking to unleash attacks that could threaten Nyland in goal. A first notable moment came when Gabriel Martinelli fired narrowly wide in the eighth minute to test the Spanish keeper.
Arsenal dominated possession with a confident passing game, while Sevilla tried to respond with quick transitions. Ocampos created some danger, though his efforts did not immediately translate into goals. Arsenal’s defense, organized and compact, resisted Sevilla’s attempts and kept the game at a tense rhythm for long spells. The match showcased high technical quality and urgent pace from both teams.
As the first half progressed, Diego Alonso’s side grew in organization and pressure, particularly through the tenacity of French midfielder Soumaré. Sevilla enjoyed moments of pressing and dangerous sequences, but they could not sustain the tempo long enough to turn pressure into a lead. Navas and Lukebakio found moments of influence, yet were unable to unlock Arsenal’s backline in the decisive final third.
In the closing stages of the first half and into the interval, a key moment appeared when a clever move by Arsenal finished with a goal for Gabriel Jesus, leaving Nyland stranded and Martinelli converting from close range to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The English side then controlled the pace after halftime, applying pressure and creating additional opportunities to extend the advantage.
Sevilla responded with a more direct approach and pushed forward in search of a reply. Mariano Díaz came on as a substitute and immediately joined the attack, with Erik Lamela also entering the fray later. Seville’s best chance came from a set-piece situation headed toward the goal by Gudelj in the 58th minute, finding the net and narrowing the deficit to 1-2. The hosts continued to press, but the equalizer never materialized as Arsenal’s defense stayed solid and disciplined.
The late momentum saw Sevilla push for a late equalizer, including a header by Gudelj that forced a save from Raya and a subsequent crossbar effort from Mariano that sparked a brief flurry of activity before the referee adjudicated a handball elsewhere and dismissed some claims. Arsenal maintained composure, resisting the late surge and securing a valuable victory as the match moved toward its conclusion. The result elevated Arsenal’s standing in Group B while leaving Sevilla with work to do to advance, a challenge reflecting the intensity of European football at this stage. (Source: competition reports and match summaries)
Sevilla tried to balance urgency with organization, but the sustained edge did not materialize. Arsenal’s tactical discipline, changes by Arteta, and counter-attacking efficiency ultimately dictated the outcome, underscoring the visitors’ capacity to manage the game and execute on crucial moments. The clash highlighted the high level of European intensity and the fine margins that decide outcomes on the continent. (Source: official match records)
Data sheet:
1 – Seville: Nyland; Navas, Gudelj, Ramos, Acuña; Sow, Soumaré, Rakitic; Lukebakio, En-Nesyri, Ocampos.
2 – Arsenal: David Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli.
Goals: 0-1, 48th minute: Martinelli. 0-2, 53rd minute: Gabriel Jesus. 1-2, 58th minute: Gudelj.
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Seville players Mariano (67) and Lamela (76) and visitor Jorginho (68) were cautioned.
Events: The third matchday of Champions League Group B took place at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán with 39,595 spectators, including 2,011 English fans. (Source: event attendance records)