Coventry City were defeated 4-0 by La Liga giants Sevilla in their opening pre-season fixture this evening.
On a hot and humid night at the Pinatar Arena in Spain, City went behind early when a corner hit an unsighted Josh Pask and the defender unluckily diverted the ball into his own net with 6 minutes on the clock.
The Sky Blues looked to make things level just a minute later when Ben Sheaf was put through on goal by Martyn Waghorn, but Bono in the Sevilla goal made the save to his left.
Mark Robins’ side continued to compete well, retaining possession and moving the ball well, and the next opportunity went City’s way. Waghorn, making his first Sky Blues appearance, was on the half way line when he saw the Sevilla keeper stray from his line – his audacious effort though was over the bar.
Waghorn’s strike partner this evening Viktor Gyokeres went closest next, meeting a whipped free-kick from the right on after 20 minutes but seeing his header go behind.
Rodriguez and Rekik both had shots for the La Liga side that didn’t trouble Ben Wilson in the Sky Blues goal, before Gyokeres again forced Bono into a save after 34 minutes, following good build up play in the middle of the park by City.
With the score 1-0 at the break, Simon Moore, Tyler Walker, Jordan Shipley and youngster Ryan Howley were introduced to the action.
With 5 minutes of the second period played, Sevilla doubled their advantage when a free-kick from the edge of the box was dispatched by Oussama Idrissi.
More changes were made, with Ben Sheaf and Julien Dacosta making way for Blaine Rowe and Will Bapaga. It was Bapaga who had the next City chance on 59 minutes when Shipley played the winger through down the left, Bapaga cutting inside dangerously before the Sevilla defender got across to block the shot.
However, seven minutes later Sevilla extended their lead when Ivan, a second-half replacement, fired into the roof of the net from inside the box.
Winger Jodi Jones returned from injury when he replaced Jamie Allen, before Sevilla netted the final goal of the game after 75 minutes when Pastor slotted the ball into the corner of the net from close range.
The Sky Blues will reflect on a good performance in their opening pre-season game, concluding a time in Spain for the fixture that included some important time on the training pitch as everyone looks ahead to the 2021/22 campaign.
CCFC XI: Ben Wilson (Simon Moore 45’); Kyle McFadzean, Josh Eccles, Josh Park; Julien Dacosta (Blaine Rowe 56’), Jack Burroughs; Jamie Allen (Jodi Jones 70’), Gustavo Hamer (Jordan Shipley 45’), Ben Sheaf (Will Bapaga 56’); Viktor Gyokeres (Ryan Howley 45’), Martyn Waghorn (Tyler Walker 45’).
Subs not used: Tom Billson, Cian Tyler (GKs).