Nigerian star continues audition for Super Eagles place with winner for Sevilla

Nigerians striker Akor Adams came off the bench to score the solitary goal in Sevilla's 1-0 voctory against Rayo Vallecano, ensureing Los Nervionenses secured maximum points.

The winner against Rayo Vallecano was the 25-year-old's first goal of the season in LALIGA. He needed five games to get off the mark, and has struggled in front of goal prior to the match.

 Rayo Vallecano enjoyed the bulk of possession, with Sevilla looking to hit them on the counter. The hosts capitalised on the early pressure, generating many good chances. 

Odysseas Vlachodimos denied Alvaro Garcia the opener before half-time, moments before Marcão to produce a heroic point-blank block to keep out Oscar Valentin’s thumping volley.

Inigo Perez’s side carried that attacking intent into the second half, repeatedly testing Sevilla’s goalkeeper. Vlachodimos tipped Alemao’s ambitious overhead kick over the bar and then spilt Ratiu’s thunderous drive into the path of an offside teammate. Moments later, Isi Palazón spurned another promising opening, dragging his shot wide when well placed inside the area.

Matias Almeyda introduced Adams in the 69th minute, along with a host of other changes in the ten minutes that followed. The changes proved inspired, injecting Sevilla with some purpose, which eventually led to the goal. 

Jose Angel Carmona delivered a precise low cross that Adams crashed home with ruthless efficiency, his first goal of the campaign. Adams’ goal proved the winner, but Sevilla needed Vlachodimos to keep Rayo from snatching an equaliser.