Sevilla sunk by Hercules
David Trezeguet scores twice to give promoted side 2-0 win over Sevilla to spark sacking of coach Alvarez.
Trezeguet is enjoying a fruitful time in Spain after 10 years in Italy with Juventus [AFP] |
David Trezeguet added to Hercules’ giant-killing reputation in the Spanish Primera Liga by scoring both goals in a 2-0 home win over Sevilla.
It sparked the almost immediate sacking of Sevilla coach Antonio Alvarez, despite it only being the visitors’ second league defeat of the season.
Former Real Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano, who led the islanders to fifth last season, took charge on Monday ahead of the midweek Europa League tie against Borussia Dortmund.
On Sunday, former France striker Trezeguet shone in Hercules’ second victory since winning promotion.
The first came two weeks ago as striker Nelson Valdez led the side to a stunning 2-0 win away to champions Barcelona.
They rocked Sevilla after 21 minutes when Didier Zokora needlessly tripped Tiago Gomes in the area, and Trezeguet netted from the penalty spot.
Bad to worse
It went from bad to worse for Sevilla when good work down the left from Real Madrid loanee Royston Drenthe led to Trezeguet nudging in Kiko Femenia’s volley just before the break.
Results & fixtures |
Saturday September 25 Athletic Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona Sunday September 26 Monday September 27 |
Sevilla’s Ndri Romaric hit the post but it was a disjointed display from the visitors that will have done little to quieten their unhappy fans even though it was only their first defeat of the camapign.
“I still have the same enthusiasm that I had from the first day,” Alvarez told reporters ahead of his sacking.
“If the results don’t come I will just grin and bear it because I will not give up believing in this team.”
Sevilla are seventh with eight points.
Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 home win over basement side Real Zaragoza, Diego Costa’s goal enough to see them through despite them playing the last half hour with 10 men.
Atletico were cruising at the Calderon after debutant Felipe Luis stormed down the left and crossed for Costa to net his first goal for the club in the 20th minute.
They continued to dominate until Jose Antonio Reyes lost his cool on the hour and needlessly barged over Matteo Contini to earn a straight red card.
Rooted
Zaragoza grew in confidence but were unable to make the extra man count and remain rooted to the foot of the standings.
Earlier Kalu Uche eased the pressure on Almeria coach Juan Manuel Lillo with two first-half headers as his side overcame Deportivo Coruna 2-0 away for their first win of the campaign.
The Nigerian forward sprinted to the touchline to celebrate with Lillo, who was in the spotlight after club president Alfonso Garcia Gabarron had said they would review the coach’s position after the trip to the Riazor.
Argentine striker Fernando Cavenaghi scored both goals in Real Mallorca’s 2-0 victory at home to promoted Real Sociedad, while Espanyol and Getafe both won 1-0 against Osasuna and Racing respectively.
Valencia top the standings on 13 points, one ahead of Barcelona.