Kepa keeps Sevilla soaring
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Article summary
Kepa Blanco scored a hat-trick as UEFA Cup holders Sevilla FC defeated promoted Levante UD 4-0 to climb to the top of the Spanish table after round one.
Article body
UEFA Cup holders Sevilla FC continued their impressive start to the season by defeating Levante UD 4-0 to climb to the top of the Spanish table after the opening round of matches.
Kepa hat-trick
Having overcome FC Barcelona 3-0 to win the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco on Friday, Sevilla romped to another victory thanks to an opener from Frédéric Kanouté and a hat-trick from fellow striker Kepa Blanco. Malian international Kanouté got the Andalusians going when he scored at the far post in the eighth minute and Kepa made it 2-0 before the half-hour when he converted a fine cross from wing-back Daniel Alves.
Rude awakening
The academy graduate added a third early in the second half after another delivery by Alves and completed his hat-trick two minutes from time, following up after a Kanouté shot had been parried. The loss was a rude awakening for Levante, who won promotion after finishing third in the second division last term. Six other teams won their opening matches, including champions Barcelona.
