Sevilla’s preseason preparations gathered momentum on Monday night as the La Liga side edged Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah 4-1 on penalties to lift the 14th edition of the Antonio Puerta Trophy at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.
The two teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at full time but the La Liga giants edged the ensuing shootout to retain the trophy.
The match held deeper meaning than just another friendly, serving as a tribute to former youth player Antonio Puerta, who tragically passed away in 2007.
In a night that combined remembrance and new beginnings, Nigerian duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams shared the pitch for the first time in Sevilla colours, while Argentine coach Matías Almeyda made his managerial debut with a hard-earned win in front of over 25,000 fans.
We secure victory to win the Antonio Puerta Trophy for the 12th time!
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) August 4, 2025
Nyland saved two penalties and all four of our penalties were scored by:
Peque ✔️
Pedrosa ✔️
Manu Bueno ✔️
Castrín ✔️
2️⃣ (4) – 2️⃣ (1) pic.twitter.com/uDU6Ud1rWX
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Adams, who has recently returned to full fitness after missing the second half of last season with injury, was named in the starting XI and impressed with his movement and work rate.
Iheanacho, who rejoined Sevilla this summer after a loan spell at Middlesbrough, was introduced in the 65th minute for Stanis Idumbo, with the home side shifting to a 3-5-2 formation that allowed both Nigerians to lead the line together.
The duo had only 17 minutes together on the pitch, but their presence hinted at a potential attacking partnership for the upcoming season. While Adams was lively throughout, he failed to convert a couple of chances before being subbed off in the 82nd minute.
It would be recalled that the two Nigerian attackers were on target as Sevilla smashed for goals past German side Schalke 04 last week.
Sevilla had earlier taken the lead through Dodi Lukebakio’s well-timed, perfectly-executed strike from a rehearsed corner routine.
Al-Qadsiah equalised from the spot after José Ángel Carmona conceded a penalty, which was coolly converted by former Atalanta man Mateo Retegui.
The Spanish side regained the lead through youngster Idumbo before a dramatic late finish saw Carvalho level the game for the visitors deep into stoppage time.
With no extra time played, the match went straight to penalties.
Sevilla goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland emerged the hero, saving two penalties, while Peque, Pedrosa, Manu Bueno, and Castrín all converted to seal the shootout win. Nyland was named Man of the Match for his heroics.
Notably, Chidera Ejuke, the third Nigerian on Sevilla’s books, missed the fixture due to injury.
Almeyda, working with a depleted squad of just 14 registered first-team players due to the club’s ongoing registration and financial issues, will be keen to see reinforcements before their league opener away at Athletic Club.
Sevilla’s final preseason test comes against Toulouse on Sunday, August 10.
