Sevilla: Javi Varas; Cáceres, Fazio,
Escudé, Fernando Navarro; Jesús Navas, Medel, Rakitic (Zokora
79'), Diego Capel (Perotti 87'); Luis Fabiano (Kanouté 67'), Negredo.
4-4-2.
Hércules: Calatayud; David Cortés,
Rodríguez, Abraham Paz, Pulhac; Abel Aguilar, Farinós; Cristian
(Portillo 74'), Tiago Gomes (Kiko Femenía 62'), Thomert (Tote 82');
Trézéguet. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 21. Rakitic. Drove shot wide of Calatayud after
Negredo chested on pass.
Yellow cards: Abel Aguilar 25', Rodríguez 36', David Cortés 42', Jesús Navas 71', Escudé 86'.
Sevilla move up to seventh spot, within three points of sixth placed Espanyol, after a 1-0 victory over Hércules on Sunday evening. The Andalusians were looking to bounce back after their Europa League defeat on Thursday, and Luis Fabiano hit the bar in the opening minutes and then almost caught out Calatayud with a lob. And midway through the first half Rakitic ran through to score his first goal for his new club after Negredo chested across a long pass from Luis Fabiano. Fazio and Negredo both headed over before the break, and early in the second half Calatayud had to be on his guard to keep out Navas and Negredo. The visitors had not scored away from home though since the end of October, and only a couple of efforts from Trézéguet caused any problems for Javi Navas as Manzano's side defended their lead to the final whistle.