A Pivotal Match for Sevilla
This Saturday, March 1, Sevilla will face off against Ray Vallecano on the 26th day of LaLiga, marking a crucial moment in their quest to join the fight for European competitions. If they secure their ninth win of the season, they’ll not only match their rival, who currently sits sixth in the standings, but also surpass them in terms of goal difference. For García Pimienta’s team, this direct duel is a must-win if they hope to look up the table, but their margin for error is shrinking by the day.
Notably, Sevilla’s performance has shifted in the second half of the season. Unlike the first round, where they achieved five of their six victories at home, they’ve now accumulated more points away from their own stadium, with seven of their 12 points coming from away games. This change in trend has also meant they haven’t lost at home in the league for over two months, with their last defeat being a 4-2 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Additionally, Sevilla is the fourth-highest scoring team away from home, with 18 goals, tying them with Athletic, Atlético de Madrid, and Alavés in this aspect.
Solid Rival in a Crucial Stage
Their opponent, Ray Vallecano, boasts defensive solidity, which places them as the seventh team in the league in terms of fewest goals conceded, with 26. They are also among the top six teams that have retained the most points at home, with 18, just one less than García Pimienta’s Sevilla. Ray Vallecano is looking to bounce back from a slight slump after losing narrowly to Barcelona and Villarreal. A third consecutive loss could complicate their European ambitions, especially considering their next match is against Real Madrid.
The Vallecas Stadium, in principle, is a favorable ground for Sevilla, as they haven’t left empty-handed since January 8, 2012. In their eight visits since then, Sevilla has managed four victories and four draws. Last season, they defeated Ray Vallecano 1-2, thanks to a double from Youssef En-Nesyri. With twelve games left to play, Vallecas could be one of Sevilla’s last chances to reach Europe, especially given their upcoming fixtures against Real Sociedad, Athletic, Real Betis, and Atlético de Madrid.