Sporting Hortaleza 0-3 Sevilla FC: Sevilla avoid cup upset with commanding win

Sevilla FC avoided a potential Copa del Rey upset with a professional 0-3 victory at Sporting Hortaleza, using a patient first-half display and a stronger second half to move into the next round. The LaLiga side were made to work early by a compact and energetic Hortaleza team, but once Isaac Romero broke the deadlock, Sevilla’s control of the tie never looked seriously threatened.

Match overview

Sporting Hortaleza started with intensity, pressing Sevilla’s defenders and trying to force mistakes in the opening exchanges. The hosts’ compact 4-4-2 shape made it difficult for Sevilla to find central space, and for the first 20 minutes the game was played largely between the boxes. Sevilla gradually increased their tempo, moved the ball quicker through midfield, and found the breakthrough when Isaac Romero finished a well-worked move.

After the interval, Sevilla’s fitness and technical quality began to tell. Peque added a second goal, and a late third rounded off a scoreline that was fair on the balance of chances and territory.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Hortaleza’s first real chance came from a set piece, but the header was comfortably saved.
• 22nd minute: Sevilla took the lead when Isaac Romero connected with a low cross from the right and converted from close range.
• 41st minute: Hortaleza’s goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny Peque a second goal before half-time.
• 56th minute: Peque doubled the lead with a precise finish after Sevilla won the ball high up the pitch.
• 83rd minute: Suso added a third with a composed finish, settling the tie beyond doubt.

Tactical story

Sevilla’s approach was built on control and patience. They dominated possession, shifted the ball from side to side, and waited for Hortaleza’s defensive block to lose its shape. The midfield trio kept the game moving, while the wide players provided width and created space for late runs into the box. Hortaleza worked hard to close gaps, but the effort required to press Sevilla eventually left space in behind.

Once Sevilla scored, the game became much more open. Hortaleza had to push forward in search of an equaliser, and that suited Sevilla, who used quick transitions to create further chances. The third goal was a clear example of the visitors’ superior game management in the final third.

Standout players

Isaac Romero led the line well, scoring the important opening goal and occupying both centre-backs with his movement. Peque was lively between the lines and added the second goal with a confident finish. For Sporting Hortaleza, the goalkeeper and central defenders deserved credit for keeping the score down for long periods, while the midfield showed plenty of energy against higher-level opposition.

What the result means

Sevilla advance to the next round of the Copa del Rey and will be pleased with a clean sheet and three goals. The performance was not spectacular for the full 90 minutes, but it was controlled and professional, which is exactly what is required in cup football. Sporting Hortaleza exit with their heads held high after a committed display, while Sevilla can now turn their attention to the next challenge with renewed confidence.