Sevilla vs Celta: Clash of opposites as Nervión hosts in-form Galicians
Pressure mounts on struggling Sevilla as they welcome high-flying Celta to the Sánchez-Pizjuán with European football aspirations on the line in LaLiga's matchday 19 closer.
Two clubs on very different trajectories meet tonight at the Sánchez-Pizjuán as Sevilla look to avoid being pulled into a relegation scrap against a Celta side with European ambitions.
Pressure mounting in Nervión
The hosts find themselves in a proper pickle, sitting just three points above the drop zone after a painful home defeat to then-bottom Levante in their first match of 2024. That loss came after their early Copa del Rey exit, leaving LaLiga as their sole focus for the remainder of the season.
Matías Almeyda faces significant selection headaches with six confirmed absentees and Alexis Sánchez listed as doubtful. At least there’s some positive news with Vargas and Nianzou returning to the squad list.
The timing of tonight’s 9pm kick-off won’t help attendance figures either, continuing what local supporters see as unfair scheduling treatment for the Andalusian side.
Celta flying high
The visitors arrive in sparkling form, particularly on their travels where they’ve established themselves as LaLiga’s fourth-best away team behind only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Villarreal. Quite impressive for a side that battled relegation last term.
Claudio Giráldez returns to the stadium where he made his top-flight coaching debut 22 months ago, and does so with his team guaranteed to remain in seventh regardless of tonight’s result. They could even climb to sixth with the unlikely scenario of a three-goal victory.
The Galicians will be without Jutglà (personal reasons) while Carlos Domínguez and Ristic have been left out through technical decisions.
Battle of the keepers
One of the night’s most intriguing subplots will be the duel between two shot-stoppers who’ve been earning their corn this season:
- Odysseas Vlachodimos: The Greek goalkeeper, on loan at Sevilla, has proven to be sporting director Cordón’s best summer acquisition
- Radu Drăgușin: The Romanian has become a fan favourite at Balaídos with his consistent performances
When these sides last met at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, it was an emotional occasion marking Jesús Navas’ farewell in front of the home supporters, with Sevilla edging a 1-0 win through Manu Bueno’s goal.