- Steven N'Zonzi - 69'
Steven N'Zonzi sent off in Sevilla debut in draw at Malaga
Sevilla were forced to hold on for a point against Andalusian rivals Malaga in the first game of the new Primera Division season after seeing new signing Steven N'Zonzi sent off midway through the second half.
N'Zonzi, a £5 million summer arrival from Stoke, picked up his second yellow of the match in the 69th minute to leave Sevilla having to cling on in the closing stages at La Rosaleda.
However, despite creating a number of openings, Malaga could not find a way past the 10 men of Los Nervionenses as the regional rivals played out a goalless draw.
Sevilla fans could have been forgiven for expecting a goal-fest from Friday's La Liga opener after seeing their side's previous two matches produce a total of 19 goals -- a 5-4 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup and a 6-4 friendly loss to Roma.
That was not to be the case, though, with both sides having goals disallowed and a mixture of indifferent finishing and good goalkeeping ensuring all other opportunities ended up drawing blanks as well.
Things started brightly enough for two-time Europa League champions Sevilla with Kevin Gameiro and Jose Antonio Reyes having chances before centre-back Adil Rami saw his 65th-minute strike chalked out for offside.
Malaga also had their opportunities, though, especially after N'Zonzi was booked for a second time to earn an early bath on his La Liga debut.
Javi Gracia's side pushed hard for the win after that, with Nordin Amrabat denied by Sevilla goalkeeper Beto and Roberto Rosales firing over.
Charles then had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside in the 87th minute before the same player had a great chance to snatch all three points in stoppage time.
He could not take advantage, though, to leave both sides with a point apiece from their opening match.
Both teams now face daunting fixtures next weekend, with Malaga going to reigning Spanish and European champions Barcelona while Sevilla host Atletico Madrid.
Game Information
Spanish LALIGA Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 14 | 11 | 1 | 2 | +28 | 34 |
| Real Madrid | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 | +17 | 30 |
| Atlético Madrid | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | +13 | 29 |
| Villarreal | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | +4 | 25 |
| Athletic Club | 14 | 6 | 5 | 3 | +7 | 23 |
| Osasuna | 14 | 6 | 4 | 4 | -3 | 22 |
| Girona | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | +2 | 21 |
| Mallorca | 14 | 6 | 3 | 5 | +1 | 21 |
| Real Betis | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 20 |
| Real Sociedad | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 18 |
| Celta Vigo | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | -2 | 18 |
| Sevilla | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | -5 | 18 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 13 | 4 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 16 |
| Leganés | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | -6 | 14 |
| Getafe | 14 | 2 | 7 | 5 | -1 | 13 |
| Alavés | 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | -9 | 13 |
| Las Palmas | 14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -7 | 12 |
| Valencia | 12 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -7 | 10 |
| Espanyol | 13 | 3 | 1 | 9 | -14 | 10 |
| Real Valladolid | 14 | 2 | 3 | 9 | -17 | 9 |
LALIGA News