Sevilla snatch dramatic point in rollercoaster Girona clash
Kike Salas' late stunner and Vlachodimos' heroic penalty save rescue Sevilla from defeat against Girona in a match that could prove vital for their survival hopes.
A tale of two halves at the Sánchez-Pizjuán as Sevilla somehow salvaged a point in a match that showcased both their glaring weaknesses and newfound fighting spirit.
First half nightmare
It took just 60 seconds for the home crowd’s worst fears to be realized. Thomas Lemar, scoring his first goal in nearly three years, punished Sevilla’s defensive disorganization to put Girona ahead. The opening 45 minutes were nothing short of disastrous for Almeyda’s men, who looked completely lost at sea.
The visitors should have been out of sight by half-time. Bryan Gil was causing havoc down the left flank, with Carmona utterly unable to contain him. Only Greek goalkeeper Vlachodimos kept the score respectable with a series of top-drawer saves that prevented what could have been an absolute hammering.
Honestly, it might have been the worst first half Sevilla have produced all season - and that’s saying something given their struggles.
Almeyda’s tactical switch
Credit where it’s due - Almeyda recognized the disaster unfolding and made decisive changes at the break. Switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2, he introduced Juanlu, Oso and Ejuke, with the latter particularly impressing with his direct dribbling ability.
The tactical reshuffle paid dividends as Sevilla began to dominate possession and pin Girona back. The visitors retreated into a defensive shell, looking to hit on the counter, but Sevilla kept pushing forward with renewed purpose.
The academy graduates proved crucial to the comeback:
- Juanlu and Oso significantly raised the intensity level
- Kike Salas was immense, winning every defensive duel
Dramatic finale
With time running out, it was centre-back Kike Salas who emerged as the unlikely hero. Positioned as an extra forward in the dying moments, he collected the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed an absolute pearler into the top corner, sending the Sánchez-Pizjuán into raptures.
But in classic Sevilla fashion, they nearly threw it all away immediately after equalizing. Pushing recklessly for a winner, they left themselves exposed and conceded a penalty. “Why rush? From a long ball, we were poorly positioned and gave away a penalty that was too much of a gift,” lamented Almeyda post-match.
Up stepped Cristhian Stuani - a man who had converted 53 of his 57 career penalties. Against him, Vlachodimos, who hadn’t saved a spot-kick in over two years. Against all odds, the Greek keeper guessed right to preserve the point in a truly remarkable finish.
Survival implications
The draw leaves Sevilla 13th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone occupied by Rayo Vallecano. While they’ll need to drastically improve to ensure their top-flight status, this result could prove a massive psychological boost for a team desperate for any positives.
Next up is a crucial clash with Alavés where Sevilla must capitalize on this momentum - because they can’t rely on miracles every week, can they? That would be proper cream crackered.