Ejuke opens Sevilla goal account with match-winner

SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Chidera Ejuke (L) of Sevilla FC celebrates after scoring a goal with teammate Dodi Lukebakio (R) during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and Real Valladolid at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on September 24, 2024, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Sevilla forward Chidera Ejuke opened his La Liga goal account on Tuesday with an 85th-minute match-winner in their 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.

The Nigerian came on as a second-half substitute for captain Jesus Navas and made his presence count in the closing stages of the game with a smart finish.

The 26-year-old pounced on a loose Valladolid pass and dragged three defenders across the face of goal before directing his precise strike into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.

It was Ejuke’s sixth appearance for the club, and he was crucial to earning García Pimienta’s side their second win of the season.

Sevilla started off brightly, but their first goal came at the stroke of halftime. Dodi Lukebakio saw his driven ball across goal turned in by a combination of Peque and Valladolid defender David Torres.

The visitors levelled matters after the restart, but super-sub Ejuke had the final say before the home side were reduced to 10 men moments later.

He joined the Spanish side on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow, becoming their first summer signing.

His compatriot, Kelechi Iheanacho, was handed the starting shirt in the game, but he was taken off in the second half after having a couple of attempts on goal blocked.

Sevilla are currently 12th with eight points after seven matches.

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