The pre-season friendly between Sevilla and Schalke 04 unfolded as a thrilling six-goal spectacle, providing an electrifying glimpse into the attacking prowess of Nigerian forwards Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho. Staged in Germany, the match saw Sevilla emerge victorious with a resounding 4-2 win, marking their first pre-season triumph and showcasing the potential firepower the Nigerian duo brings to the Spanish club’s upcoming campaign. The vibrant display of attacking football served as a promising indicator of what fans can anticipate from Sevilla in the season ahead.
Adams, deployed as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, stamped his authority on the game early on. Just four minutes into the match, he connected with a perfectly delivered cross, heading the ball into the back of the net to secure the opening goal – his first for Sevilla since joining the club from Montpellier in January. Despite a previous season marred by injury, Adams demonstrated remarkable sharpness and intent, adding a second goal in the 32nd minute with a composed finish past former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius. This brace not only highlighted his clinical finishing but also served as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome the setbacks of the previous season.
At half-time, manager Matías Almeyda opted to introduce Iheanacho in place of Adams. The former Leicester City striker, having missed the previous week’s match against Birmingham City due to illness, wasted no time making his presence felt. Despite Schalke pulling one back through a Sylla penalty, Sevilla’s attacking momentum surged once again when another Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke, joined the fray in the 65th minute. Shortly thereafter, Iheanacho emphatically restored Sevilla’s two-goal cushion, powerfully heading in a precise cross from Agoumé. This quick succession of goals underscored the dynamism and attacking synergy that the Nigerian players brought to the team.
Schalke managed to reduce the deficit once more with a goal from Salazar in the 84th minute, but Sevilla’s victory was ultimately sealed two minutes later with a strike from Marcão. The back-and-forth nature of the match made for captivating viewing, showcasing both teams’ attacking intent while ultimately highlighting the clinical finishing of Sevilla’s Nigerian forwards. The match reinforced the potential impact Adams and Iheanacho could have on the team’s fortunes in the upcoming season.
The inclusion of both Adams and Iheanacho in Sevilla’s 25-man squad for the German tour held significance, given the differing circumstances surrounding their places at the club. Adams, having recovered from a lengthy injury layoff, was anticipated to play a pivotal role in leading Sevilla’s revamped frontline. Meanwhile, Iheanacho’s presence came despite rumors of him falling out of favor following a less than stellar debut season that saw him loaned out to Middlesbrough for the latter half. The match against Schalke provided both players with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and stake their claim for regular playing time.
Ejuke, also part of the traveling squad, aimed to make a positive impression following a mixed first season with Sevilla after joining on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow. The match served as a platform for him and other players seeking to solidify their roles within the team. With the pre-season victory against Schalke serving as a positive springboard, Sevilla now sets its sights on its next pre-season challenge against Marseille on August 2nd. Both Adams and Iheanacho are expected to feature prominently in this fixture as the former Europa League champions continue their preparations for the new campaign. The performances against Schalke will undoubtedly give manager Almeyda much to consider as he refines his strategies and selects his preferred starting lineup for the season ahead.
