In a night of high drama across the Spanish top flight, the men of Seville stepped onto the pitch at La Ceramica with the weight of a struggling seaso...
In a night of high drama across the Spanish top flight, the men of Seville stepped onto the pitch at La Ceramica with the weight of a struggling season pressing on their jerseys. But when the final whistle blew, it was their opponents Villarreal who were left nursing wounds, as a magnificent second half surge saw the visitors snatch a 3. 2 victory. This result has moved the former European powerhouses into the top half of the table and, for the first time this campaign, well clear of the relegation dogfight that had threatened to swallow them whole. The home side, Villarreal, began the contest with all the authority of a team playing on their own soil. They drew first blood and then doubled their advantage, leaving neutral observers to suspect that Seville's revival would be a short lived affair. However, the resilient lads from Andalusia are made of sterner stuff. They fought back with the resolve of a wounded lion, scoring three unanswered goals to complete a sensational turnaround. In the scheme of things, this victory is the lion's share of a statement that Seville are back to their formidable best. At the end of the day, the credit must go to the coaching staff and the players who refused to throw in the towel. Their clinical finishing in the second period was a joy for the travelling faithful to behold. It was a performance that gives a good account of themselves as a club that is rediscovering its winning DNA. For the Nigerian international stars plying their trade in the Spanish league, this result will also send a signal. Super Eagles talisman Samuel Chukwueze, who has been a stalwart for Villarreal, will be disappointed with the collapse, but the powers that be at Seville will be sleeping soundly after such a gritty display. Speaking of Nigerian excitement, one can only imagine the scenes at viewing centres from Surulere to Lekki. In the bustling hubs of Abuja, where the air is thick with the scent of suya and the chatter of passionate football heads, fans would have been on their feet. When the third goal hit the back of the net, the place would have erupted in a cacophony of honks and cheers. Old men in agbada would have been exchanging enthusiastic handshakes, while young men in Arsenal and Barcelona jerseys jumped together, united in the sheer joy of a great comeback story. Indeed, La Liga has rewarded the loyal Nigerian viewer with another memorable night of football.
