Sevilla FC remain close to Real Madrid. Rafa Mir snapped Getafe’s run with a dream goal
With a win against Getafe, unbeaten in six games, Sevilla had a chance to at least move within immediate reach of leaders Real Madrid. The Andalusians, also in good form, initially dispensed with Ivan Rakitic, who took his place on the bench. Instead, Oliver Torres played his 100th game for the red-and-whites.
The first half did not offer too many highlights. Much of the action took place in midfield, with duels rather than goal-scoring chances the order of the day. The first excitement came in the 14th minute: Koundé lost the ball in his own penalty area, but Getafe then acted far too awkwardly and only managed a corner. Fernando had saved from Maksimovic in the nick of time.
In the 22nd minute, Ocampos had had enough. The Argentinian received the ball on the right flank, passed two opponents with speed and a bit of luck and crossed inside. Mitrovic was close to Rafa Mir, but the Sevilla striker got his heel to the leather – through the legs of his opponent and between the post and keeper David Soria the leather found its way into the goal.
Rafa Mir still in focus – Papu Gomez misses narrowly
There wasn’t much more to report from the first period, but the second started promisingly. Montiel’s cross from the right was excellent, as was Rafa Mir’s header at the near post. However, the striker was just offside and the goal was disallowed.
Sevilla had tasted blood and tried hard to score the second goal. But Rafa Mir’s header in the 69th minute was off-target (to make matters worse, team-mate Gudelj was lurking behind it), Papu Gomez’s flick missed the target by a hair’s breadth (74th) and Diego Carlos was a good half-metre off-target after a cross from substitute Rakitic (80th).
Thus, the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan remained suspenseful until the final phase. But Getafe simply lacked the means to put Sevilla in trouble in the second period, although the apparently injured Koundé had to be substituted at the break.
The Rojiblancos have a tough task ahead of them in the cup round of 16 next Saturday, when they face city rivals Betis in the Benito Villamarin derby. Getafe have already been eliminated from the Copa del Rey.
