Villarreal 2 - 1 Sevilla: Villarreal end recent barren spell with win over Primera Division rivals Sevilla

Posted Sunday, November 01, 2015 by PA

Villarreal got back to winning ways with a morale-boosting 2-1 win at home to Primera Division rivals Sevilla.

Spain international Mario Gaspar's scrappy finish gave the hosts the lead and top scorer Cedric Bakambu doubled the lead, before on-loan Fernando Llorente's header made for an exciting final 15 minutes.

Marcelino's side were looking for their first win in four league outings, while Sevilla were fresh from a thumping 5-0 win over Getafe and were unbeaten in four.

Former Sevilla man Denis Suarez was Villarreal's most influential player early in the game and it was he who created the first chance, teeing up Bruno for a half-volley which forced Sergio Rico to dive to his left and punch clear.

Sevilla frontman Kevin Gameiro had a penalty appeal turned down following a clash in the area with Victor Ruiz, before Mario headed a Suarez cross wide.

The hosts took the lead on 25 minutes when Mario fought off four Sevilla players in the box following a corner and poked the ball into the far corner.

The full-back helped create his side's second goal, bursting down the right wing after Robero Soldado had won the ball back to cross for Suarez, whose short pass allowed Bakambu to tap in with ease.

Gameiro was forced off injured after Unai Emery had made his three substitutions, leaving Sevilla with just 10 men for the remaining minutes - although Llorente gave them hope with a close-range header in the 76th minute.