Adams scores first Sevilla brace in Elche draw

Akor Adams marked his return to club football in emphatic fashion on Monday night, scoring twice as Sevilla fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw away to Elche in La Liga.

The Nigeria international was introduced at half-time with Sevilla trailing 1-0 at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, just 48 hours after featuring for the Super Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.

Despite the tight turnaround, Adams was cleared to play and ultimately proved decisive.

Sevilla staring at defeat

Sevilla’s situation worsened shortly after the restart when Germán Valera struck to double Elche’s lead, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb. The home side looked comfortable, while Sevilla struggled to impose themselves in the final third.

Head coach Matías Almeyda responded by reshaping his attack, introducing Chidera Ejuke in the 63rd minute as Sevilla searched for urgent remedy.

Adams leads comeback

The tide changed in the 75th minute, with Adams leading the revival. The striker reacted sharply to a rebound inside the area after a low shot was saved, poking the ball home to make it 2-1 and breathe life back into Sevilla’s performance.

From that moment, Sevilla pressed higher, with Adams providing a focal point and Ejuke stretching the Elche back line with direct running and movement.

Composed finish seals point

Deep into stoppage time, Sevilla were handed a lifeline when the referee penalised Elche for a handball in the box. Adams stepped up and showed composure from the spot, converting confidently to complete his brace and secure a hard-earned point.

The goals represented Adams’ first brace in a competitive match for Sevilla and capped an encouraging performance following his international duties.