Valencia – Sevilla
The recent 2-1 sensation at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid has suddenly given Valencia new courage. Despite a mixed season overall, Valencia now have a bit of momentum – just in time for the home game against Sevilla, who are currently in 12th place in the table. Only two points separate the two teams, which underlines the similarly unresolved issues.
While Hugo Duro scored late at the Bernabéu, the Andalusians are in a hangover mood: Sevilla were recently beaten 2-1 by Atlético Madrid and are on a run of three defeats. Fans and the media are already discussing the future of coach Xavier García Pimienta. In addition, there is unrest among Sevilla fans, who have announced protests against the club’s management.
The last time these two teams met was in January, when the game ended in a 1-1 draw. These encounters have a history of low scoring, with four of the last five games not exceeding two goals, often only after the break. Valencia have created a small buffer zone between themselves and the relegation zone, but Sevilla urgently need points to prevent the gap to the international places from widening even further. Lucien Agoumé is also missing for the Andalusians through suspension, while Valencia have no absences.
Valencia – Sevilla Infos
- Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia
- Date and time: 11.04.2025, 21:00
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 31)
Valencia form & record check
After five unbeaten games, Valencia have steadily worked their way up the table and currently occupy 14th place. Particularly impressive was the tactically clever 2-1 win in Madrid, where, among other things, Vinícius Junior missed a penalty. The narrow 1-0 home win over Mallorca and the 1-1 draw at newly promoted Girona illustrate that a new defensive stability is emerging under coach Carlos Corberán.
However, the team shows occasional weaknesses at high tempo, as the spectacular 3-3 draw against Osasuna proved. Valencia’s offensive urge in the second half is remarkable. In all of their most recent matches, goals have been scored after the break, but in four of the last five, they have conceded another goal. At the same time, the Lim family is also drawing attention to the club: Kiat Lim, son of majority shareholder Peter Lim, communicates effectively with the media via social media, and rumors are emerging about a potential interest in buying Cristiano Ronaldo.
Given their positive recent form, Valencia are confident of securing their top-flight status early. The clash against Sevilla could be a test of whether this trend will continue in the long term.
Valencia coach Carlos Corberán is likely to revert to his trusted 5-3-2 system. Mamardashvili is expected between the posts, while the back five will likely comprise Aarons, Mosquera, Tárrega, Diakhaby and Vázquez. Barrenechea, Guerra and Almeida are likely to form the midfield trio.
The duo of Duro and Sadiq, who have recently shown that they are particularly dangerous in the second half, should provide the goal threat in attack. The long-term injured Thierry Correia (cruciate ligament rupture) is still not available to the team. Doménech, Gayà and Mir could be brought on as alternatives if needed.
Sevilla form & record check
Sevilla are currently going through one of the most difficult phases of the season. They have only managed one win in their last five league games, and have lost all three of their last matches – most recently the bitter 1-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid. The team showed spirit at the Wanda Metropolitano, taking the lead through Agoumé, but a lack of consistency led to another setback.
Sevilla have scored in 80% of their recent matches, but their shaky defense regularly lets points slip. Currently, the Andalusians are in 12th place with 36 points, which the dissatisfied fans are no longer willing to accept. The club’s management, led by president Del Nido Carrasco, is therefore looking for ways to turn things around, but internally, coach Pimienta seems to be losing support.
With his suspended clock Agoumé, Sevilla will be missing another key player on Friday evening. Although those in charge, such as sporting director Víctor Orta, have demonstrated unity, the pressure is visibly growing – especially as the gap to the international ranks is getting smaller and smaller.
García Pimienta usually plays a 4-3-3 with the Andalusians. Nyland remains the number one in goal, flanked by a back four of Carmona, Salas, Badé and Pedrosa. Carmona, in particular, remains in the spotlight after his self-critical performance.
In midfield, Sevilla will be without the suspended Agoumé. Therefore, Lokonga, Gudelj and Sow could form the center. At the front line, Lukebakio, Adams and Vargas could play – a trio that will have to prove themselves, as Sevilla have often fallen short of their own offensive expectations this season.
It is unclear whether central defender Tanguy Nianzou will be able to play again this season after his injury. The ongoing fan protests and the uncertainty surrounding coach Pimienta lead some to wonder if a tactical surprise is in store.
Valencia – Sevilla head-to-head & statistics
Looking back, recent encounters between Valencia and Sevilla have often been defensive in nature. In the last five games, there has been one win for each team and three draws. It is particularly striking that the opponents usually take few risks in the first half – even the last encounter in January 2025 ended 1-1 and remained goalless until the break.
In four of the last five meetings, fewer than 2.5 goals were scored, reflecting the difficulties on both sides in terms of offense. Interestingly, both clubs were even able to win away from home in 2023: Valencia won 2-1 in Seville, while Sevilla were 2-0 winners in Valencia. There is much to suggest that this time too, the result may be decided late on, as both teams are known for coming to life after the break.
