Sevilla FC fight back in derby as Patrick Mercado move taps Ecuador talent hub | OneFootball

Sevilla FC’s announcement of Patrick Mercado’s signing shared the stage with a spirited derby, a draw earned from 2-0 down at Real Betis.

Inferior before the break then superior after it, Matías Almeyda’s side seized control, enjoyed more of the ball and hemmed Betis in. Alexis Sánchez began the fightback before going off injured, and Isaac Romero levelled, ending his goal drought.

Sevilla FC sit on 30 points in mid-table and face a pivotal March. At the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán they host Rayo Vallecano and Valencia CF, with trips to FC Barcelona and Real Oviedo to follow.

With the drop zone too close for comfort, points against direct rivals are vital. Hitting 40 points early would ease nerves before a tougher run from matchday 31. Once safe, attention will swing to recruitment, with Juan Iglesias and, above all, Patrick Mercado fuelling optimism.

The club have turned to Independiente del Valle, a prolific South American talent hub, lining up the 22-year-old midfielder. El Desmarque reports that the Ecuadorian side’s academy-first model and resale gains underpin success stories such as Moisés Caicedo and Kendry Páez, with Piero Hincapié or Willian Pancho further examples. He will arrive as the summer window opens.

In Ecuador there is excitement about Mercado’s step up. Nicole Moposita of MachDeportes notes the club often export at 18-20, and says he was previously linked with Chelsea FC or Brighton & Hove Albion. He will become the 14th Ecuadorian to play in LaLiga.

Source: La Colina De Nervion