Sevilla boss Montella tastes defeat on debut in the derby
Real Betis gave their fans an ideal gift on the Epiphany, but Vincenzo Montella's first league match at Sevilla was one he'd rather forget.
Vincenzo Montella's first LaLiga match in charge of Sevilla finished on a disappointing note as his side ended losing 5-3 to city rivals Real Betis in a thriller at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Taking over after Eduardo Berizzo's controversial sacking just before Christmas, Montella oversaw Sevilla's midweek Copa Del Rey win against Cádiz.
Eight goal thriller
However, Betis immediately applied pressure on Saturday and answered every fightback from the 43-year-old Italian's side. Fabián Ruíz got proceedings off to an exhilarating start, with a splendid finish from outside the penalty area in only the first minute. Hosts Sevilla equalised twice, through Wissam Ben Yedder and Simon Kjaer, but the ultra-attacking Betis scored twice within two minutes early in the second half, via Riza Durmisi and Sergio León.
Sevilla concede five goals to Betis for the first time
At 4-3 following Clement Lenglet's header, Christian Tello secured a spectacular win with a wonderful solo dribble and finish in injury time. Montella's first league match was also the first time in Sevilla's history they have conceded five goals to their neighbours. Meanwhile, under Quique Setien, goals have almost become guaranteed for the Verdiblancos. Saturday's win was Betis' seventh game with four goals or more already this season, and the third with eight goals or more.