By Gareth Messenger, Editor, LaLigaNews.tv
Sevilla 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla: Negredo 5′, 86′.
Athletic Bilbao: Gurpegi 55′.
Sent Off: Navarro (Sevilla), Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Alvaro Negredo scored twice as Sevilla kept within touching distance of a Europa League qualifying spot in a heated match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Carlos Gurpegi pulled Bilbao level in the second half before Fernando Navarro and Aymeric Laporte were both sent off to leave both sides down to ten men.
The hosts made the perfect start when Negredo headed home Ivan Rakitic’s well-flighted free-kick. They almost doubled their lead less than ten minutes later but Jose Antonio Reyes’ effort flew just wide of the upright.
Oscar De Marcos came close to levelling after being teed up by Fernando Llorente, who was enjoying a rare start this season under Marcelo Bielsa, but De Marcos fired narrowly wide.
Unai Emery’s side should have been 2-0 up when Coke rattled the post from close range, and moments later Bilbao duly punished the miss when Ibai’s free-kick found the head of Carlos Gurpegi who rose highest to finish past Beto.
Beto was a saviour midway through the half when he denied Ander Herrera’s low effort and it soon got worse for an under pressure Sevilla when Fernando Navarro was dismissed. However, the numbers were soon even once more when youngster Aymeric Laporte was given his marching orders for his second bookable offence.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner and it was the home side who earned it. Reyes break swiftly down the left before crossing to Negredo who made no mistake to score his 23rd goal in all competitions.