Visiting Manchester United might sound a nightmare cup draw however for Europa League royalty Sevilla, a visit to hallowed turf like Previous Trafford on Thursday gives a welcome break from actuality.
The Andalucians, led by Jose Luis Mendilibar — their third coach of the season — have been mired in a relegation scrap in La Liga, however discover themselves on extra acquainted floor in Europe.
Document six-time Europa League champions, Sevilla’s gamers are extra accustomed to battling for silverware than survival, and have proven indicators of enchancment underneath Mendilibar.
That give them some hope of overcoming Erik ten Hag’s three-time European Cup winners within the final eight, which might earn redemption with supporters after a yr to overlook.
“I am satisfied that, in Europe, Sevilla are revered greater than in La Liga, due to what they’ve finished within the Europa League, with quite a lot of titles fairly just lately,” mentioned Mendilibar in March after taking on from Jorge Sampaoli.
“In Manchester they’ll really feel they’re favourites, however with respect for Sevilla.”
Behind Sevilla, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Juventus and Atletico Madid have every received the trophy 3 times, whereas Manchester United lifted it as soon as, in 2017.
Regardless of holding their very own in opposition to such esteemed firm on the continent, domestically Sevilla have fallen and are at the moment thirteenth, 5 factors above the underside three.
“(We’re doing) fairly effectively in European competitors, in contrast to the nationwide league, sadly,” mentioned veteran midfielder Ivan Rakitic instructed UEFA.
“However we all know Sevilla’s general historical past in Europe.”
Season of wrestle
Sevilla’s wrestle began when the membership’s poor monetary state compelled them to promote key defenders Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos to Barcelona and Aston Villa respectively, ripping in half one of many continent’s sturdiest backlines.
A guess on former Actual Madrid playmaker Isco didn’t work, with the participant leaving in December by mutual consent.
Regardless of a poor end final season the membership determined to maintain Julen Lopetegui on the helm, however changed him in October after only one win in 10 video games.
A 4-1 hammering by Borussia Dortmund within the Champions League was the ultimate straw, and Sampaoli was appointed for his second spell on the membership.
The Argentine coach helped the group to a attract Dortmund and a win over Copenhagen to make sure they might drop into the Europa League, moderately than out of Europe totally.
Regardless of overcoming PSV and Fenerbahce to arrange a quarter-final conflict with Manchester United, Sampaoli’s dismal league type noticed him eliminated with the group 14th, simply two factors above the drop zone.
Mendilibar is working with a back-to-basics, extra direct model. It paid on the spot dividends with a 2-0 win at relegation rivals Cadiz in his first recreation.
They moved two objectives up in opposition to Celta Vigo final Friday in his second match, earlier than the guests struck twice late on on the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan to push Sevilla again into the scrap.
Morocco worldwide Youssef En-Nesyri has discovered his taking pictures boots and is an aerial risk, which might be helpful at Previous Trafford.
Lucas Ocampos, again from mortgage at Ajax, is one other explosive choice who may give Mendilibar’s facet a preventing likelihood of a outcome on the highway, together with the tough Bryan Gil, on mortgage from Tottenham.
Sevilla will be unable to name on midfield powerhouse Pape Gueye, who will not be registered for the competitors, whereas United can have Casemiro accessible after his Premier League suspension.
“Right here within the metropolis, folks say the Europa League is Sevilla’s competitors,” added Rakitic.
“It is one thing which belongs to us as a result of we’ve got received it six instances within the final 15 or so years.
“Respect to everybody who’s additionally received it, however it’s by some means our competitors.”