Speaking of Sevilla and a decisive match in recent weeks is common, but in the one that begins today, it couldn’t be more accurate. It’s the penultimate game before the league season concludes, and the team has not yet secured safety. Relegation, marked by Alavés, is just three points behind the white-and-reds, with nine points still up for grabs. Six of those will be contested this week within a span of just five days. Sevilla visits Villarreal on Wednesday (7:00 PM) and hosts Real Madrid next Sunday (7:00 PM) in their final home match of the current campaign. The season will then close against Celta in Vigo.
The Nervión-based side earned six out of six points in the last two matchdays, beating Real Sociedad (1-0) and Espanyol (2-1) at the Sánchez-Pizjuán. The shore is close, but Luis García Plaza issued a warning after the recent victory: “No one will survive with 40 points, so we have to keep adding.” His team had to come from behind against Espanyol, and the Madrid-born coach highlighted the changes he made in the second half: “They were spectacular, just like the other day. These games aren’t played by eleven, but by five more.” One of those smart moves was lifting the punishment on Akor Adams, who ended up being decisive by scoring the goal that sealed the home comeback.
Some players held on despite being exhausted, such as captain Nemanja Gudelj. Rubén Vargas isn’t ready for 90 minutes. Suazo took a blow to his right shoulder, which was already injured, and Isaac is doubtful for tomorrow’s match. “Maybe we need to consider giving him a few days of rest. We thought he’d be better, but it’s limited him a little,” García Plaza admitted.
The lack of time between matches and the team’s physical fatigue force the Madrid-born coach to adjust the lineup he repeated in the last two fixtures. “From what I’m sensing, I think there will be two or three changes, for sure, and we’ll see if there are more,” the white-and-red boss warned. It’s all about managing efforts and finding the right formula against two very tough opponents who, however, come with their objectives already secured. Villarreal has guaranteed their Champions League spot, and Real Madrid fell to Barcelona yesterday, allowing the Catalans to celebrate the LaLiga EA Sports title in front of their fans.