Caicedo lifts Espanyol

Sevilla changes

Unai Emery reminded everyone in the pre-match news conference that Sevilla were still competing in three competitions with their Liga BBVA campaign, a Europa League semi-final second leg next week and a Copa del Rey final looming on the horizon. Perhaps, with this in mind, he started with three youth team players Jose Matos, Anonio Cotan and Curro in his lineup.

Puerta and Jarque

In the 16th and 21st minutes fans from both teams at the RCDE stadium applauded in remembrance of former Espanyol defender Dani Jarque and Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta, two young players who both died from heart problems while representing their clubs. A joint message recording their shirt numbers and names was shown on the stadium scoreboard saying “We will never forget you.”

Minute 21, Cornellá remembering Dani Jarque, images of Antonio Puerta and Dani Jarque on the scoreboard pic.twitter.com/KIqBGgdukm

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) May 1, 2016

 

Caicedo goal

There had been few clear sights of goal, but Espanyol started the second half strongly. Captain Victor Sanchez headed against the base of the post, and shortly afterwards a moment of brilliance from Marco Asensio lead to the opening goal. Spinning on the spot, the midfielder fired a low shot which was tipped onto the post. The ball flew back into the area and Felipe Caicedo netted the loose ball for his eighth Liga BBVA goal this season. He is the side's leading scorer in the current campaign.

Rico and the woodwork

Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico was called into action on a number of occasions keeping his team alive in the game. When he was beaten midway through the half, substitute Gerard Moreno’s effort came back off the woodwork.

Sevilla's away-day woes

The victory moved Espanyol a step closer to securing their top-flight status for next season in 14th with 40 points, and continued Sevilla’s poor showing on the road this season. The Andalusians stayed seventh and have not yet managed to win away in the Liga BBVA, notching nine draws and nine defeats.