Sevilla and Levante are set to clash this Sunday at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in a highly anticipated match as both teams seek to return to winning ways in the resumption of the league competition. However, the motivations for each team differ significantly, owing to their contrasting positions in the league table.
This match marks the debut of Portuguese coach Luís Castro at the Levante helm. He replaces the team’s interim coach, Álvaro del Moral, who, alongside Vicente Iborra, managed Levante through the last four games following the dismissal of Julián Calero. Castro faces the challenging task of pulling his team out of last place, as they continue to struggle for points.
Sevilla, currently sitting eleventh in the table, aims to bounce back after finishing 2025 with a bittersweet loss at the Santiago Bernabéu. The defeat was compounded by the dismissals of coach Matías Almeyda and central defender Marcao Teixeira. Attempting to maintain a five-defender setup, Almeyda will have to navigate a last-minute injury to veteran central defender César Azpilicueta, who has been plagued by muscle issues. In his absence, Andrés Castrín is likely to step in.
One of Sevilla’s main advantages will be the experience of Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez, especially with the team’s attacking depth being tested by injuries. Notably absent will be Swiss winger Rubén Vargas, who is recovering from a muscle injury, as well as fellow injured players Gabriel Suazo and Alfon González. Additionally, Nigerian players Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are representing their country in the Africa Cup of Nations.
As Sevilla looks to establish a solid defensive base against the struggling Levante, there is a renewed hope to convert this match into a stepping stone toward safer standings, while keeping concentration levels high to avoid previous pitfalls this season.
For Levante, the appointment of Castro could serve as a much-needed catalyst for change, even though he has had limited time to prepare. The team finds itself at the bottom of the league with only 10 points after 16 matches and is currently enduring an eight-match winless streak. Their last victory came on October 4, against Oviedo.
Castro is known for his offensive coaching style and possession-based play, but it remains to be seen how this philosophy will translate in La Liga, particularly given that he has no prior experience in the division.
Matchday promises an intriguing battle with both squads eager for a positive outcome. The expected lineups feature Sevilla’s Vlachodimos in goal, alongside defenders Juanlu, Carmona, Castrín, Gudelj, and Oso. The Levante lineup is expected to include goalkeeper Ryan and defenders Toljan, Moreno, Dela, and Pampín.
The referee for the match will be Iosu Galech from the Navarro Committee, and kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 GMT at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.