Real Sociedad 1 - Sevilla 1

Real Sociedad: Westerveld; López Rekarte, Jauregi, Schürrer, Aranzábal; Xabi Alonso, Alkiza; Karpin, Nihat (Lee Chun Soo 77'), De Pedro; Kovacevic (De Paula 77'). 4-2-3-1.
Sevilla: Notario (Esteban 08'); Daniel Alves, Javi Navarro, Alfaro, David; Casquero, Martí; Marcos Vales, Baptista, Reyes; Darío Silva (Carlitos 85'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Real: Jauregi, for Kvarme / Sevilla: Marcos Vales, Baptista for Gallardo, Carlitos.

Goals:
1-0. 04. Kovacevic. Headed down past keeper from Karpin's cross.
1-1. 13. Darío Silva. Ran on to Baptista pass and poked ball past Westerveld.

Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Sevilla, thanks largely to a great display by visiting reserve keeper Esteban. The ex Spanish international, formerly at Oviedo and Atlético Madrid, came on in the eighth minute after Notario injured his shoulder and was the star of the match with a series of saves, particularly in the second half.

The Basques were concerned about Sevilla's defensive record, but they broke through as early as the fourth minute when Kovacevic headed into the net from a cross by the excellent Karpin. Notario was injured in the play and Esteban came on to make his debut, and a few minutes later his side equalised when Reyes broke free on a rapid counterattack and played the ball in to Baptista for him to set up Darío Silva.

After that it was Esteban's show, saving a Xabi Alonso header before the break, and efforts from Alonso Nihat and in particular a De Pedro free kick in the second half. Real were suffering from their gruelling trip to Turkey midweek, and Denoueix replaced his two tired front men with a quarter of an hour to go. However their replacements Lee Chun Soo and De Paula were kept under control by the Sevilla back four, and the visitors went away with what they wanted.