Sevilla took on Real Betis in the first game as Spain’s La Liga resumed on Thursday, with second-half goals from Lucas Ocampos (penalty) and Fernando settling the points.
El Gran Derbi is often seen as Spain’s most passionate rivalry and would’ve attracted more than 40,000 fans at a packed Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
“It’s a shame that our fans could not enjoy it here, but the win is dedicated to all of them,” Lopetegui said.
“Of course, we felt their support and spirit, we spoke about it before starting.”
The result sees Sevilla solidify their grip on third spot, moving four points clear of Real Sociedad and Getafe in fourth and fifth respectively.
The win marks the return of La Liga, with games coming thick and fast for the next few weeks, including Sevilla playing again on Monday at Levante.
“It’s always good to win matches to recover, you live better with a win, but we have to recover well because it will be a different match against Levante at a different ground,” Lopetegui said.
Among the full weekend of Spanish action, leaders Barcelona are away to 18th-placed Real Mallorca on Saturday, while second-placed Real Madrid host 16th-placed Eibar on Sunday.
Sixth-placed Atletico Madrid make the trip to Athletic Bilbao in a tricky early Sunday fixture, while Getafe go to Granada on Friday night.