Sevilla has racked up five victories in the seven league fixtures since the arrival of the French centre-back, keeping a clean sheet in five of those outings. The club from Nervión has been trying to steady a tough season, and recent results in La Liga have brought a much needed spark after beating Almería while remaining hope alive in the UEFA Europa League following a 2-0 first-leg win over Fenerbahçe, a tie to be settled in Istanbul on Thursday.
Earlier setbacks in league play, notably losses to Osasuna and Atlético Madrid, had cast a shadow over Sevilla in the relegation battle. Yet since the World Cup break, the team has seen a marked upturn. In eleven league games since the return, Sevilla have accumulated 17 points. This surge coincides with Loïc Badé joining the squad, and his impact has been readily apparent on both ends of the pitch.
Badé has established himself as a defensive linchpin, with his return from injury against Almería proving pivotal to securing three points. The French centre-back, signed from Rennes, was a constant presence in the game with nine recoveries, three clearances, five interceptions, and two blocks. He also impressed with his passing distribution, completing 53 of 56 attempted passes with notable accuracy and consistency in build-up play.
Five Wins in Seven Games With Badé
Badé’s influence extends beyond a single match. Since the winter window, his presence has consistently altered the balance of Sevilla’s performances. In La Liga, he has appeared in seven games, delivering five wins and two losses. The losses came against Girona and Barcelona, while the wins came against Getafe, Cádiz, Elche, Mallorca, and Almería. Impressively, three of those seven fixtures have produced clean sheets, and Sevilla conceded only seven goals while Badé was on the field, with three of those coming at the Camp Nou.
Within the locker room, Badé quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches. His ability to read the game and make decisive adjustments has been noted from day one. His command of Spanish has facilitated a rapid adaptation to the club and the city, helping him win the affection of the fan base as he integrates into Sevilla’s collective identity.
With Badé on the pitch, Sevilla concedes on average one goal per game, a significant improvement over the nearly two they yielded without him. The team also translates that defensive stability into results, winning roughly 71 percent of matches with Badé contributing to a more compact backline, compared with about 11 percent without him. These numbers underscore his emergence as a new defensive leader who can help the team find ways to create and convert chances at the highest level.
Fans and analysts alike have noted how Badé’s presence alters the tempo at the back. He reads plays with a captain’s calm, communicates clearly with his partners, and provides the necessary reassurance when opponents press. That leadership is complemented by his physicality and anticipation, which often translates into second-ball recoveries and quick transitions that free Sevilla to push forward into dangerous spaces in the final third.
The combination of improved defensive solidity and growing attacking cohesion has allowed Sevilla to pursue more ambitious results. The improved balance is visible in their recent performances, where a stronger defensive line supports a more dynamic, front-foot approach that looks to exploit gaps behind high-pressing opponents. As the season continues, Badé’s continued development will likely be a decisive factor in Seville’s ability to climb the table and compete for European qualification once more.
Citation: Goal