Numancia 0-2 Sevilla; “The First Thing You Learn as a Kid”

By: Anthony | May 31st, 2009

What is the first thing you learn as a kid growing up and learning how to play football? Simple: It’s not how you do it, as long as you get the 3 points. Well maybe you learn how to kick a ball first but once you get past all the little things that’s the mentality.

The scoreline doesn’t accurately reflect the game but definitely flatters us so I’m not complaining. Neither us nor Numancia played well enough to deserve 3 points but once again – I’m not complaining.

We started an extremely altered and weakened lineup to finish off the season with some of our biggest stars and key players being rested. Javi Varas started between the sticks in place of Andrés Palop; Dragutinovic, Mosquera, Crespo and Konko made up our *shakey* back four; Romaric and Renato were the core of the midfield while Diego Capel and Diego Perotti ran the flanks; Arouna Koné and Lautaro Acosta lead the team up top filling in for Kanouté and Fabiano.

It’s funny because in the reverse fixture earlier this year we lost 1-0 and that was with us fielding a full-strength squad.

None the less though, we sent the boys from Soria down to La Seguna with style capturing a 2-0 victory in what for them, was frustrating fashion.

It ended up being our two substitutes who made the difference when in the 88th minute, Romaric sent in a pin-point ball to Chevantón who still had all the work to do but controlled nicely and centred into the penalty area for Armenteros who was running in and smashed it to the top of the goal. 2 minutes into added time it was our young player of the year, Diego Perotti causing havoc on the left flank again as he hit in a low and hard cross which Numancia defender Moreno deflected into his own goal to hand us the 2-0 victory. Chevantón was running behind him anyway so it would have most likely been finished by the Uruguayan International but none the less, that sums up Numancia’s season.

Game Notes:
• Javi Varas believe it or not actually was tested a few times throughout the match and made some very tough saves. It is encouraging to see that we have a more than qualified replacement for “San Andrés” should he choose to hang up the boots in the near future (God forbid).
• Chevantón showed flashed of brilliance which gives me that false sense of hope that he will win the Pichichi next year should he be fit.
• Diego Perotti was immense like he has been all season, I can’t get enough of this kid and Diego Capel should be very worried about his minutes on the pitch in regards to next season.
• Romaric played solid in the middle and set up our first goal causing me to believe he heard Manolo Jiménez is looking for three or four more midfielders for next year and is feeling the pressure to perform now.
• It was definitely encouraging to see a product of Sevilla Atlético in Armenteros grab the decisive goal which shows we definitely have a lot of upcoming talent in our infamous Cantera.

We finish the season on a solid 70 points, a total we haven’t achieved since Junade’s departure. Jiménez’ contract as you know has been extended and needless to say it shall be a very interesting summer window in regards to who joins or leaves the club.

Overall I cannot say enough about this season. I enjoyed every minute of it when I look back at all the craziness that occurred. From the highs to the lows, I love being a Sevillista and want to send a huge THANK YOU to all the readers and posters here on the Sevilla Offside. You haven’t heard the end of me and I will definitely be posting just as often this summer to keep everyone who is interested, up to date with all the ongoing’s in Nervión.

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