Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke came off the bench at half-time and made an immediate impact as Sevilla secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés, Trybal News reports.
Sevilla followed up their dramatic late win over Rayo Vallecano with another important victory on the road, taking full advantage of Athletic Club being reduced to 10 men early in the game.
Athletic threatened to make a strong start under new manager Edin Terzić, with Odysseas Vlachodimos called into action to deny Beñat Gerenabarrena and Iñaki Williams from distance.
However, the game swung in Sevilla’s favour when Yuri Berchiche was shown a red card for bringing down Miguel Sierra just outside the penalty area.
The visitors quickly exploited their numerical advantage. Athletic’s struggles playing out from the back presented Oso with an opportunity, and he calmly finished into an unguarded net to put Sevilla ahead.
Despite being a man down, Athletic continued to threaten before the break, with Oihan Sancet going close before setting up Iñaki Williams, whose deflected effort was saved by Vlachodimos.
Sevilla nevertheless held their advantage at half-time, before Ejuke provided the moment of quality that effectively changed the game.
The Nigerian international was introduced at the start of the second half and needed just minutes to announce his arrival. In the 46th minute, Isaac Romero found Ejuke in space on the flank. The winger drove into the penalty area with purpose before producing a superb finish, delicately chipping Unai Simón to double Sevilla’s lead.
It was a composed piece of finishing from the 28-year-old, who showed the pace and directness that have made him an important attacking option for Sevilla.
Ejuke’s 45-minute contribution was not limited to his goal. He recorded 20 touches, competed in seven ground duels and won three, while also winning one of two aerial duels. He completed five of his seven passes, underlining an energetic cameo in which he immediately gave Sevilla an outlet on the flank and helped stretch an Athletic defence already struggling with a numerical disadvantage.
The goal comes at a time when there has been speculation around Ejuke’s future, with his name featuring in transfer discussions during the current window. Whether those reports lead to a move remains to be seen, but the Nigerian international remains part of Sevilla’s squad as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
Sevilla added a third after another Athletic defensive error, with Oso winning possession before setting up Isaac Romero to find the far corner.
Athletic eventually pulled one back, but Sevilla held on for a 3-1 victory and their first win in four visits to San Mamés.
Ejuke’s second-half goal was ultimately enough to make his introduction count as Sevilla continued their positive start with another win away from home.
