Christmas decorations are already up all around Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, and today certainly felt like it as Sevilla celebrated an unlikely win against Villareal.The visitors deserved at least a point, but it’s Los Nervionenses who get all three points against the manager that brought them three Europa League trophies in as many seasons.Sevilla survived attack after attack of Unai Emery’s Yellow Submarine and claimed a win despite being forced to defend for most of the match.
Lucas Ocampos scored the only goal of the game and gave Sevilla a precious win over fellow Champions League participants – but it remains a mystery just how they managed to keep a clean sheet in this game.Julen Lopetegui knew that a win would lift his team to second place in La Liga – at least for a few hours, but beating Villareal is never easy – even when their form is a bit patchy.Ocampos gave his team a timely lead with a magnificent header and it proved just about the high point of Sevilla’s attacking play. They acted as if the win was already won – even though there was well over an hour left.Emery’s side found another gear and kept looking for a goal – a goal that simply wouldn’t come.
Substitute Gerard Moreno made a right mess out of Villareal’s best chance. With ten minutes remaining, he’s had the unguarded net at his mercy – and he missed. If there were any lingering doubts about what sort of a day this was, Moreno’s miss confirmed Sevilla’s early Christmas gift.Villareal are stuck at 12th in the table and could even slide further down the standings. LA LIGA – ROUND 16FridayGranada – Alaves 2-1 (1-0)/Puertas 14, Arias 86 – Abram 81 og/SaturdaySevilla – Villareal 1-0 (1-0)/Ocampos 14/18:15: (1.50) Barcelona (4.60) Betis (7.00)20:30: (1.35) Atl.Madrid (5.30) Mallorca (10.0)23:00: (3.50) Sociedad (3.50) Real Madrid (2.20)Sunday16:00: (2.25) Rayo Vallecano (3.25) Espanyol (3.60)18:15: (2.20) Elche (3.15) Cadiz (3.90)20:30: (2.60) Levante (3.10) Osasuna (3.10)23:00: (2.15) Celta (3.40) Valencia (3.70)Monday23:00: (3.60) Getafe (3.00) Ath.Bilbao (2.40)***odds are subject to change***