Direct match at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez where Getafe hosted Sevilla in the race for the Champions League spots, even though both of them are going through different streaks. On one side, Getafe, coached by José Bordalás, is having an outstanding season, situated in european positions on the table and also with a 2-0 win over Ajax in the first leg of the round of sixteenths of the Europa League. On the other side, Sevilla, coached by Julen Lopetegui is experiencing their worst moment of the year as they have been unable to get any win on their last five games including all their competitions.
And precisely, because of the usual ferrous defensive approach by the home team, Sevilla´s coach decided to protect their midfield by adding muscle through lining up physical players in order to win the constant battles for the ball. This way, Lopetegui put Joan Jordán, Gudelj and Fernando in the middle with the instruction to the second to place himself between the two central defenders with the purpose to allow their two full backs, Jesús Navas and Sergio Reguilón, to run their wings. But it was not all about strength, as midfielder Suso took care of playing the beautiful game. And the approach by Lopetegui worked the entire match and held Getafe back from creating any clear chance (they only shot once to the goal).
On the home squad side, Getafe tried to impose themselves on the battle for the midfield mostly thorugh long balls, crosses and free kicks taken by wingers Damián and Cucurella, but Sevilla defended all of them effectively.
As there were barely any opportunities in a very closed game until halftime, the intensity reached a high level and the crowd warmed up through several faults and cards that made the game to turn into a nasty one.
However, a huge mistake by Getafe´s midfielder Etebo turned out into the first goal from Sevilla. The player from Getafe slipped inside his own box with the ball in his feet, and Reguilón stole it and assisted Ocampos to put his team ahead in a key moment.
As both teams came back from the locker room, Getafe now was forced to take the lead as they needed an equalizer and forward Ángel checked in to try to get it. And just as it was expected, Getafe put themselves on the opponent´s field through long throws in order to put some pressure on Sevilla´s defense, but they didn´t take any shot.
Despite the new scenario, Sevilla created danger in the counterattacks from the left wing with Ocampos, who constantly dribbled Getafe´s players and forced to fault him and get some free kicks. And that is the way they got their second. Suso put a magnificent ball in the box, Lukk de Jong put it back in the first post, and Fernando sent it to the net for the excitement of the traveling fans. Sevilla killed the game with their second and still had time to get their third one. Only ten minutes later. Navas found the space in the right, connected with Fernando, and he assisted Koundé, who crossed a perfect shot to finish the match.
Sevilla pick up a crucial victory to get back into the winning track at the same time as they take over Getafe on the third spot of the table.
