Sevilla opened their La Liga campaign with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, a tight tactical contest between matching 4-2-3-1 systems in which the hosts found the marginal attacking edge without controlling the ball. Jon Guridi and Peque Fernández scored Sevilla’s goals, while Álvaro García replied for Rayo. Sevilla produced 2.3 xG from 13 shots and put four on target, compared with Rayo’s 2.0 xG from only six attempts, highlighting how the visitors fashioned high-value chances despite seeing slightly more of the ball. Rayo held 51% possession to Sevilla’s 49%, but Sevilla’s fuller shot volume gave them more routes to goal. The home goalkeeper saved two of the three shots on target he faced, a 66.67% save rate, whereas Rayo’s keeper recorded 50% from four on-target efforts. Sevilla’s defence therefore held a narrow numerical advantage at both ends, even as Rayo’s chance quality kept the outcome in doubt. Sevilla begin the league season with three points.