Sevilla ended Deportivo's unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Riazor. It was Sevilla's fourth win in six matches and Deportivo's first defeat of the season, ending a five-game streak that had drawn attention in the Spanish press. The match drew an official attendance of 28,506 spectators.
Sierra decided the game. The young player, wearing a reserve number, showed real composure as he scored in the 52nd minute, just as Deportivo seemed to be finding their rhythm. He capitalized on a defensive lapse after a spell of Sevilla pressure and a rebound off Deportivo's goalkeeper. Deportivo, unbeaten all season, suddenly had to chase a game that quickly slipped away.
The first half offered little excitement. Deportivo looked flat and could not take control, while Sevilla kept the ball but rarely threatened Leo Román's goal. Most of Sevilla's possession yielded few real chances: a handful of tame efforts and one dangerous shot from Agoumé after a turnover. Several post-match reports noted that Sevilla's control produced few scoring opportunities before the break.
Antonio Hidalgo made five changes to Deportivo's starting lineup from the previous match in Getafe, and the decision backfired. Basic players such as Mario Soriano started on the bench, while three of the four defenders had missed much of preseason. Deportivo's lack of cohesion showed as they struggled to play out from the back, their usual fluency giving way to uncertainty. The tactical risk left them exposed to Sevilla's pressing and quick transitions.
Sevilla, meanwhile, made the most of what they had. With a squad full of players looking to prove themselves, they followed a disciplined plan that frustrated Deportivo. Their pressing and organization left the home side with few options. Even the introductions of Adama Traoré and later Soriano could not change the flow of the game.
Sierra's goal capped Sevilla's pressure and Deportivo's growing frustration. The hosts' situation worsened when Angeliño received a straight red card in the 59th minute after a VAR review of his late challenge on Sierra. Deportivo were left with ten men for over half an hour, including the final half hour of the match. Down a player and running out of ideas, they managed just one real shot on target in 96 minutes: a half-chance from Bil Nsongo that Vlachodimos saved easily.
Sevilla's pragmatic approach contrasted with Deportivo's gamble. The visitors now have 13 points from six matches, quietly building a solid start to the season. For Deportivo, the loss is a reminder that heavy rotation and experimentation can backfire, especially against teams that make the most of their chances. Spanish sports outlets reported that Sevilla's win moved them into the Champions League qualification spots, underlining its importance in the La Liga standings.
The match may not have been a classic, but the result at Riazor showed the value of discipline and timing. As in other recent Spanish fixtures, the margin for error is slim in a season where every point counts. Sevilla's ability to grind out results with a patched-together squad hints at ability to recover that could shape their season. Deportivo will need to regroup quickly to recover their early form.
