Few could have imagined Sevilla to be considered underdogs against minnows Girona, who put the visitors to the sword as soon as referee Valentin Pizzaro blew the opening whistle.
Despite a handful of defensive mishaps warranting Jorge Sampaoli’s men on the back foot, the hosts couldn’t take advantage of early opportunities and were quickly made to pay for their lack of clinical finishing. Veteran Ivan Rakitic’s stunning free-kick delivery allowed youngster Tanguy Nianzou to leap like a frog and lodge the ball into the back of the net to inflict first blood.
Girona didn’t sit back though, as Atletico Madrid loanee Rodrigo Riquelme came close with a shot that went a whisker wide of the right post, before Christhian Stuani proved wasteful in the final-third time and again.
Sevilla went into the break with the lead for just a third time this La Liga campaign, sparking hopes of a sixth straight unbeaten competitive match that would prove fruitful in their run for a top-half finish.
However, the Rojiblancos were caught napping two minutes into the second half, eventually succumbing to a close-range finish by Stuani who capped off a brilliant team effort from the right wing.
Perhaps motivated by just their second goal against Sevilla in five games, Girona raised the stakes in a bid to further disorient the visitors. Michel’s men however ended up squandering successive chances in the final quarter-hour, much to the relief of the away side.
Their efforts finally paid dividends in the 88th minute, thanks to a beautiful chip by Venezuelan substitute Yangel Herrera from the edge of the box after the Girona frontline had forced Sevilla’s defence into disarray.
Sevilla continue their struggles in 17th position, perhaps in line for a shocking relegation from the top-flight come May. In stark contrast, Herrera’s stylish finish means Girona extend their La Liga unbeaten streak to seven matches - their longest such run in history.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Cristhian Stuani (Girona)
