MADRID (AP) — Sevilla continued its struggles with a 2-1 loss to promoted Almería, extending the team’s winless streak at the start of the Spanish league on Saturday.
It was Sevilla’s third winless game in a row, starting with a loss to Osasuna and a home draw with Valladolid.
Sevilla started the league with high expectations after finishing fourth last season and staying at the top of the table for the most part.
This season, though, the team’s defensive struggles have been costly. It sold two of its main defenders – Diego Carlos and Jules Conte – while the team, coached by Julen Lopetegui, conceded five goals in their first three games. The attack has already scored three goals.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t start where we wanted, but we have to put it behind us and treat every game as our last,” Lopetegui said.
Oliver Torres opened the scoring for Sevilla with a header in the 30th minute, but the hosts equalised in the 42nd minute through Raj Ramazani and took the lead through Sadiq Omar in the 55th minute.
It was Almeria’s first victory back in Serie A. The Saudi-owned club has been in the second division for seven consecutive seasons.
social backlash
Real Sociedad beat Elche 1-0 for their second victory, quickly overcoming striker Alexander Isaac’s departure.
In Isak’s first game since leaving England for Newcastle, Brees Mendes scored the winner in the 20th minute with a beautiful through ball from Martín Zubimendi.
Mikel Merino missed a chance to add to society’s lead after missing a penalty in the 34th minute.
Elche is still without a win after three rounds.
Majorca Victory
Mallorca ended their winless streak with a 2-0 win over Vallecano.
Goals from Vedat Muriqi and Lee Kang-in helped Mallorca achieve league success at Rayo for the first time in almost a decade.
On Sunday, Barcelona face Valladolid, defending champions Madrid visit Espanyol and Atletico Madrid are in Valencia.
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