Kanoute Wins It For Sevilla At Espanyol

The Mali international netted with a brace in the closing minutes to clinch all three points for the visitors in a very even encounter in the Estadi Olimpic in Barcelona.

Espanyol were more than holding their own before Milan Smiljanic was sent of just after the hour mark and from then they faced an uphill struggle to stay on level terms.

Jimenez was under pressure in the build-up to the game after a string of inconsistent performances had sen frustration grow at the Andalucian outfit and forced the coach to speak out.

After stating sarcastically that his side must be bad if only Barcelona and Real Madrid are better, Sevilla proved their coach right by remaining patient to take all three points.

The win cemented the visitors' place in the top four while Espanyol are left rooted to the foot of the table and without a win since early November, despite playing well.

Early on the hosts' intent was clear as Nene's cross was met by Luis Garcia but his flick towards goal was straight at Andres Palop, while Sevilla's first chance did not come until just before the half hour mark.

Before the break Luis Garcia again went twice, but then Jimenez gave his team a pep talk at the break and they began to make Carlos Kameni work for his wages in the Espanyol goal.

After Palop had kept out Luis Garcia yet again, Renato produced some good skill to move into the area, but the keeper was off his line quickly to deflect the ball behind.

Capel shot just wide and Fazio wasted his second chance of the game before Espanyol's evening became that bit more difficult when Smiljanic was dismissed for a foul on Capel.

De la Pena's appearance as a substitute had lifted the crowd, as had the imminent introduction of Raul Tamudo, but even those two could not stop Sevilla who gradually wore down their opponents.

Renato hit the post and Kanoute produced a save from Kameni soon after and when Espanyol did not heed the warning the former West Ham and Tottenham forward made them pay.

Jesus Navas' cross from the right found Kanoute and he slotted past Kameni while the defenders protested that the scorer had pushed his marker before shooting.

That was a blow for Espanyol and their chances of taking anything from the game were over when Kanoute tucked in his second in injury time as Navas again picked him out to tap in at the far post.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com



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