Sevilla loses again, stays winless to start Spanish league

Sat, Aug 27, 2022
Soccer News (AP)

MADRID (AP) - Sevilla's struggles continued in a 2-1 loss to promoted Almeria, extending the team's winless streak at the start of the Spanish league on Saturday.

It was the third consecutive match without a win for Sevilla, which opened with a loss at Osasuna and home draw with Valladolid.

Sevilla began the league amid high expectations after finishing fourth last season and staying near the top most of the time.

The team's defensive struggles have been costly this season, though. It sold two of its main defenders - Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde - and the team coached by Julen Lopetegui has conceded five goals in its first three matches. The attack has scored three times.

Oliver Torres opened the scoring for Sevilla with a header in the 30th minute, but the hosts equalized through Largie Ramazani in the 42nd and went ahead thanks to Sadiq Umar in the 55th.

It was the first win for Almeria in its return to the first division. The Saudi-owned club had been in the second tier for seven seasons.

SOCIEDAD REBOUNDS

Real Sociedad managed to quickly overcome the departure of forward Alexander Isak by beating Elche 1-0 for its second win.

In the team's first match since Isak left to join Newcastle in England, Brais Mendez scored the winner in the 20th after a nice through ball by Martin Zubimendi.

Mikel Merino missed a chance to add to Sociedad's lead after missing a penalty kick in the 34th.

Elche remained winless after three rounds.

MALLORCA TRIUMPHS

Mallorca ended its winless streak after winning at Rayo Vallecano 2-0.

Vedat Muriqi and Lee Kang-in scored to hand Mallorca a first league success at Rayo in nearly a decade.

On Sunday, Barcelona plays Valladolid, defending champion Madrid visits Espanyol, and Atletico Madrid is at Valencia.

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