Report: Saints 2-0 Sevilla

Jack Stephens’ first-half volley gave Saints the advantage going into the break, before Manolo Gabbiadini then confirmed the victory with a cool finish on 82 minutes.

Mauricio Pellegrino named a strong starting eleven for his final pre-season friendly ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener against Swansea City.

Cédric returned to the Saints line-up at right back for this first time this season, following his late return from the summer due to the Confederations Cup.

There were also starting berths for Ryan Bertrand, James Ward-Prowse, Dušan Tadić, Nathan Redmond and Manolo Gabbiadini.

It was Gabbadini that created the first chance of the afternoon. The Italian striker shifted the ball into space and struck a low, left-footed effort towards goal, but was denied by Sergio Rico.

Six minutes later, however, Saints did have their opener. Ward-Prowse’s corner from the left was flicked on by Gabbiadini at the near post and Stephens volleyed in from close range to take the advantage.

Pellegrino's men took that advantage into the break and almost doubled it shortly after the restart. Gabbiadini rifled a low free-kick into the Sevilla wall and Stephens pounced inside the area to covert the rebound past Rico, only to then be denied by the linesman's flag.

With an hour on the clock, Saints made their first changes of the afternoon. Maya Yoshida and Cédric departed for Jan Bednarek and Jake Flannigan whilst Sofiane Boufal replaced Nathan Redmond.

Victory was then confirmed in the closing minutes of the game. Steven Davis expertly flicked the ball into Gabbiadni’s path for the Italian to stride calmly into the penalty area and finish low into the bottom corner.