Sevilla FC drew 0-0 against Córdoba CF in the Trofeo Puerta de Córdoba, but won on penalties (4-5). Luis García Plaza fielded a historic team made entirely of youth players.
Sevilla FC claimed the Trofeo Puerta de Córdoba by defeating Córdoba CF in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the Nuevo Arcángel. The match, played on Wednesday night, left a bittersweet image for Sevilla's interests: on one hand, the excitement of seeing eleven youth players in the starting lineup; on the other, the lack of goals that continues to burden the team.
Luis García Plaza surprised everyone by fielding eleven players registered with the reserve team, something that hadn't happened in the 21st century. The commitment to youth was total, and the team competed on equal terms against a Córdoba side that sought to score down the right flank with Carracedo. However, clear chances were absent in a very balanced first half.
The key moment came in added time of the first half when Alberto Flores saved a penalty from Carracedo. That save kept the score at 0-0 and allowed Sevilla to go into halftime with options. The youth goalkeeper became a momentary hero and gave breathing space to a team that was struggling to find its footing in attack.
In the second half, Luis García Plaza substituted all eleven players and brought in the usual starters, such as Oso and Miguel Sierra. The Seville side dominated and created the best opportunities, but faced goalkeeper Guilherme, who denied Sevilla's attempts on several occasions. The intensity of the match increased, ending in a scuffle that left each team with ten players due to the expulsions of Kevin Medina and Carmona.
The lack of goals remains a major concern for Sevilla FC. In the three friendlies played so far, the team has only scored one goal, netted by Miguel Sierra against Juventud Torremolinos. The offensive department appears to be the main area of concern for the team as the season approaches.
The penalty shootout began successfully for both teams. Córdoba scored their first four penalties through Albarrán, Vilarrasa, Sánchez, and Cáceres, while Theo Zidane missed his by sending it over the crossbar. For Sevilla, Peque, Oso, Miguel Sierra, Guridi, and Isaac Romero all converted their penalties, sealing the Seville triumph.
The match, played in front of 12,127 spectators at the Nuevo Arcángel, served as a test for the less frequent players and for Luis García Plaza to evaluate the performance of the youth team. The Sevilla coach highlighted the team's attitude and the importance of having competed against a second division rival. “We saw young players who rose to the occasion,” he stated.
For Sevilla fans, the most positive news was seeing youth players like Alberto Flores, Manu Bueno, or Nico Guillén demonstrate that they can have a place in the first team. Flores' penalty save was the standout moment of the night and a reminder that the youth academy continues to bear fruit. However, the lack of goals and the late tension somewhat overshadowed the match's overall assessment.
Sevilla FC continues its pre-season with an eye on the start of LaLiga. The next friendly match will be against Sporting de Gijón, where Luis García Plaza is expected to start shaping the starting eleven. The need to reinforce the attack is evident, and the management is working on bringing in a striker to provide the goals that were missing in Córdoba.
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