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Sevilla boss García Pimienta admits his side is back in the race for European football after Chidera Ejuke inspired a crucial 1-0 victory away to Real Sociedad on Sunday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Super Eagles winger Ejuke was the hero at the Reale Arena, scoring the decisive goal early in the second half on his first La Liga start in 140 days.
The Nigerian international finished clinically into the bottom right corner after receiving a precise pass from Saúl Ñíguez inside the box. It was his third goal contribution in 17 league appearances this season, adding to his tally of two goals and one assist.
Sum up Ejuke’s performance in one word #RealSociedadSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/x4hFSs40Ta
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 9, 2025
Ejuke’s return to the starting XI marked a major milestone after a hamstring injury sidelined him for several weeks. He suffered the setback in Sevilla’s 5-1 loss to Barcelona in October 2024, forcing him to miss nine league games. He made his comeback in January 2025, coming off the bench in a 2-1 win over Girona, but had struggled to regain his starting spot.
Before his injury, Ejuke was a key figure in García Pimienta’s setup, scoring once in nine league appearances. Now, his impact against Real Sociedad could reignite his season.
⚽️ Golazo de Ejuke al inicio de la segunda mitad.
— Nazario (@Nazariotipster) March 9, 2025
Real Sociedad 0-1 Sevilla FC https://t.co/fQXFuxuxpI pic.twitter.com/WoqHJci0Dz
Sevilla’s victory gives them a balanced La Liga record of nine wins, nine draws, and nine losses this season. Once battling relegation, they now sit on 36 points—just five behind Real Betis, who occupy the final UEFA Conference League qualification spot.
García Pimienta remains cautious but acknowledges that Sevilla’s resurgence puts them in the mix for European football.
“We’re in a group of teams where anything can happen,” he told Marca. “If you win two games, you’re at the top; if not, you’re at the bottom.
“When there are four or five games left, we’ll look at exactly where we’re going. We have to earn the right to fight for important things. We’re very ambitious—that’s what we’re all about.”
Ejuke gives @SevillaFC_ENG the lead. #RealSociedadSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/emc6Tuj0rj
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) March 9, 2025
Ejuke’s performance could also boost his international prospects.
The former Heerenveen and CSKA Moscow winger has been named in Eric Chelle’s expanded 39-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With the final 23-man squad yet to be confirmed, Ejuke will hope his match-winning display helps him secure a place.
