This Wednesday brings a crucial European night for Sevilla as they travel to Copenhagen in Group G of the Champions League. After a rocky league start, the Andalusian side needs a strong performance on the continental stage to steady their course. The campaign opened with a heavy 0-4 defeat at home to Manchester City, a wake-up call that underscored the gap to Europe’s elite and the need to tighten up in defence and attack alike when facing a side keen to prove itself at the Parken stadium.
Under Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla arrived in Denmark with a mix of caution and resolve. Finishing fourth last season in La Liga, they faced questions over consistency after a disappointing start and a dip in form in the second half of the previous campaign. The result against Espanyol, a 2-3 victory, offered a brief lifeline, yet it did little to erase lingering doubts about their durability in both the domestic league and Europe. With four points from four league games, Sevilla trail the ideal start to their league campaign after an opening loss to Osasuna and a home draw with Valladolid, followed by further setbacks against Almería and Barcelona, and a demanding midweek excursion to Copenhagen.
Lopetegui is navigating pressure from supporters and pundits alike, who see this match as a defining moment for his tenure. Victory in Copenhagen would restore belief and place Sevilla firmly back in the fight within Group G, while a setback could jeopardize their standing in the competition and intensify scrutiny on the coach.
The match at RCDE Stadium had showcased moments of quality for Sevilla, including a notable two-goal burst from the youngsters in the squad, but it also exposed vulnerabilities in the full-back positions and in the capacity to close games when pressure mounted. The club’s youth-forwarding pipeline gave Lopez a glimmer of hope, with the up-and-coming players delivering key contributions while the more experienced members weighed in with leadership and intent. The performance underlined the need for balance across the back line and midfield if Sevilla are to prosper in Europe.
In Copenhagen, the plan will likely involve a familiar spine: Isco Alarcon continuing to pull strings in midfield, with Papu Gómez providing creativity from the other attacking half. The Spaniard is expected to control tempo and dictate attacking sequences, while Gómez adds volume in the final third. The front line could feature a decision between Rafa Mir and Dolberg for the focal point of attack, offering Sevilla a varied approach and a reliable outlet in transition.
The defense will be tasked with mitigating the pace and movement of Copenhagen, a side that has shown resilience despite a rough start to its league season. On the wings, the team will lean on Marcos Acuña on the left with support from the other wide players, while the central defense will rely on current stalwarts to maintain shape and discipline. The midfield pairing may see Fernando return to provide balance with Thomas Delaney, ensuring the team can press effectively and recover possession quickly.
Copenhagen has endured a challenging run of results, including a heavy home loss in their last European match and a difficult domestic spell, which has placed the coaching staff under scrutiny. The Danish side, under pressure to deliver, has reacted with a combative approach at their Parken home and a readiness to press Sevilla higher up the pitch. Coach Jess Thorup has faced questions about strategy and rotation, and he has signaled a willingness to adapt after meeting the squad to reinforce focus and cohesion.
The two teams have rarely faced each other in European competition, and Copenhagen’s record against Spanish clubs in continental play is historically cautious, with several draws and losses. Yet the city’s supporters will demand a strong performance from their side, especially given the context of a group that looks open and competitive. Sevilla, aware of the stakes, will aim to control the tempo, press high when appropriate, and convert chances with clinical finishing.
Possible lineups: Copenhagen: Ryan; Diks, Vavro, Khocholava, Kristensen; Zeca, Lerager; Claesson, Falk, Daramy; Cornelius. Sevilla: Bono; Jesus Navas, Nianzou, Rekik, Acuña; Delaney, Ferdinand; Lamela, Isco, Papu Gomez; Dolberg or Rafa Mir. Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia). Stadium: Parken. Kickoff: 21:00 (GMT 19:00).