Lopetegui’s Sevilla beats Espanyol in Spanish league opener

MADRID (AP) — Sevilla had a successful start under former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui with a 2-0 win at Espanyol in its Spanish league opener on Sunday.

Sergio Reguilón and Manuel “Nolito” Agudo scored a goal in each half in Sevilla’s first competitive match with the new coach.

This is Lopetegui’s first job since being fired after a brief stint with Real Madrid last year. He lost his Spain job just before the 2018 World Cup for taking the Madrid position without telling Spanish soccer officials in advance.

Reguilón, on loan from Real Madrid, opened the scoring with a shot from close range in the 44th minute, and Nolito sealed the victory after going past a defender inside the area in the 86th.

A penalty was awarded to Espanyol early in the second half, but the call was reversed after video review.

“We did well against a good team,” Nolito said. “It wasn’t easy, but we got the victory.”

Sevilla hopes to improve from its sixth-place finish last season.

Earlier, Alavés defeated Levante 1-0 at home with Joselu Sanmartín scoring early in the second half.

On Saturday, Real Madrid opened with a 3-1 win at Celta Vigo.

Two-time defending league champion Barcelona lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Friday.

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