It was a cracking game between Cádiz and Sevilla at the Ramón de Carranza, which ended with victory by the narrowest margin after a last-gasp comeback for the visitors. All the goals were scored in the second half.
From the first minute Los Amarillos made it very clear that they were not going to be overawed by the fact they were facing no less than a side of European champions. The team under Cervera, who had returned to the dugout after being out for medical reasons, had the first opportunity when José Mari shot from in front of goal but Bono pushed it away for a corner.
After that chance, it was Lopetegui's side that took control of the ball while Cádiz set themselves up as they usually do, with intelligence and by being well drilled. The visitors had a couple of dangerous opportunities with Ocampo even finding the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Cádiz stuck to their game, waiting for another threatening moment of their own, which came when Pombo hit a shot that Bono was forced to palm away for another corner.
Sevilla imposed themselves on certain areas of the pitch, with an omnipresent Rakitic making his mark in terms of creativity. The best chances for the Nervionenses arrived after half an hour with a stroke of genius from Oliver Torres who was denied by the post, and another deflected shot from their newly-returned Croatian midfielder.
With the game still goalless at the break, it was time for both sets of players to recharge their batteries. Los Amarillos, after growing pressure from the Sevillians, breathed a sigh of relief when the referee brought the first half to an end.
The home side came out at the beginning of the second half with renewed vigour and enthusiastically pushed their rivals to such an extent that, thanks to some sensational attacking play, they opened the scoring. A cross was met at the far post by Negredo who headed back towards the penalty spot where Salvi latched onto it with his right boot. 1-0.
Sevilla were stunned. In the blink of an eye they saw themselves behind on the scoreboard and facing an avalanche of fine football that could have had more reward. Negredo almost claimed the second just minutes afterwards with a spectacular rabona effort from an Álex centre from the right. Los Amarillos were enjoying their best spell.
But there was a long way to go - only around five minutes of the second half had elapsed - and Sevilla had the time and ability to shake off the blows and mobilise themselves to hit back at their opponent.
As the minutes ticked by, the visitors came more and more back into the game, and returned to dangerously prowling around Cifuentes’ area until they finally levelled proceedings. It was in the 64th minute, new-boy De Jong heading in a Navas cross from the right.
The match saw both sides begin to play rather cautiously, neither opponent content to settle for a draw, but both always aware that the balance could easily tip the other way.
Álvaro Cervera and Julen Lopetegui made their respective changes from the bench, with the numerous substitutions providing a refreshed feel for the teams. And it was Munir, one of the second half introductions, who clinched the winning goal for his side as the 90th minute arrived. The former FC Barcelona player took advantage of a measured pass from Jordán to decide the match.
As the time added on was played out, and all of the home team looking to attack, Sevilla popped in their third with a quick counter from Munir who laid it off to Rakitic to score.
