Akor Adams made a memorable return to club football on Monday night, producing a match-defining performance for Sevilla as they battled back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Elche in an intense La Liga encounter at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.
The Nigeria international, who had featured for the Super Eagles just 48 hours earlier in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff, was introduced at half-time with Sevilla trailing 1-0. Despite the tight turnaround and minimal recovery time, Adams was cleared to play, showcasing his fitness and readiness to impact the game immediately upon his return.
Sevilla staring at defeat
Sevilla’s predicament worsened early in the second half when Germán Valera struck to double Elche’s advantage, leaving the visitors in a challenging position. The home side appeared in control, comfortably managing possession, while Sevilla struggled to find fluidity and penetration in the final third. The team’s attacking efforts seemed disjointed, and a comeback appeared increasingly unlikely as the minutes ticked by.
Sevilla’s head coach, Matías Almeyda, responded by reshuffling the attacking setup, introducing Chidera Ejuke in the 63rd minute to add pace and creativity on the flanks. This tactical adjustment aimed to stretch Elche’s defensive line and open spaces for Adams to exploit, injecting renewed energy and urgency into the side’s offensive movements.
Adams leads comeback
The momentum shifted dramatically in the 75th minute when Adams took centre stage. Reacting sharply to a rebound inside the penalty area following a low shot that had been initially saved by the Elche goalkeeper, he poked the ball into the net to reduce the deficit to 2-1. This goal revitalised Sevilla’s attack, boosting the team’s morale and signalling the start of a determined fightback. From that point, Sevilla pressed higher up the pitch, with Adams serving as the focal point for attacks and Ejuke providing width, pace, and direct running that constantly troubled the Elche defenders.
Composed finish seals point
In the dying moments of the match, Sevilla were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after the referee penalised Elche for a handball in the box. Adams, demonstrating remarkable composure and calm under pressure, stepped up and converted the spot-kick with precision, securing the equaliser and completing his first competitive brace for the club. His two-goal contribution was pivotal in rescuing a hard-earned point for Sevilla, turning potential defeat into a moment of triumph and celebration for the team and fans alike.
Adams’ brace not only marked a personal milestone—the first time he had scored twice in a single match for Sevilla—but also capped a stellar individual performance that highlighted his importance to the side following his AFCON duties. The performance reaffirmed his status as a key attacking player, capable of influencing games decisively even under the challenge of limited rest between international and club commitments.
Sevilla will now look to build on this result in the coming fixtures, drawing confidence from Adams’ form and resilience, while Elche will rue their missed opportunity to secure all three points at home. Fans and analysts alike hailed Adams’ contribution as a perfect example of determination, skill, and composure under pressure, setting the tone for what could be an impactful second half of the season for the Nigerian international.