Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw with Elche in their third La Liga game of the season on Saturday. The result ended Julen Lopetegui side’s winning run, and lifted Elche to 15th place after matchday-3.
The home team who avoided relegation on the final day of last season took the lead in the 11th minute when defender Enzo Roco finished well after receiving a great pass from Fidel Chavesmove.
Sevilla top scorer from last Youssef En-Nesyri, equalised for Sevilla in 40th with a header as Sevilla sought a way to win the game.
Summer signing Rafa Mir had two great chances to win the game for Sevilla but could not convert. In the end, Sevilla could not find a way past Elche, who held on to claim an important point.
An early goal helps Elche
The home team began the game well but could have gone behind when Sevilla’s Oscar Rodriguez hit the post in the 4th minute. Had the goal gone in, it would have weakened the morale of the home team.
But luckily for Fran Escribá’s side, that didn’t happen, so when they took the lead, it helped to turn the tide of the game. Instead of Elche chasing the game, Sevilla were now the ones chasing the game. That way, they were able to take home a point by maintaining a good defensive shape and hitting the visitors whenever they had the opportunity.
Missed opportunity for Sevilla
Sevilla will see this as a missed opportunity after they dominated for most of the game. Julen Lopetegui’s side saw 69% of the ball and had more shots than their hosts. Though they went to the top of the La Liga table now, their stay at the top would be short-lived if Real Madrid ensure 3-points against Real Betis.
They have now gone level on points with Valencia and Mallorca, who are all with seven points. They could not capitalise on their superiority and will now see this as a missed opportunity to go three points clear.
Elche have two from three games, while Sevilla now have seven points from their opening three games after beating Rayo Vallecano 3-0 and Getafe 1-0.
