Seville travels to face Copenhagen as their Group G Champions League campaign reaches a heavy moment. A victory is almost mandatory for the Spanish side to keep alive their European hopes and avoid an exit from continental competition. With two games left before the end of the group stage, every shot at securing a top-three finish and a Europa League berth matters for a team fighting to restore its status in European football.
Seville sit third in the group, level on points with their Danish counterparts. The current crisis in La Liga adds pressure, as they sit near the relegation zone following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. This marks the start of a challenging period under the new coach Jorge Sampaoli, who has begun his second spell at the club with three draws and one win from the four league fixtures since his return.
Among those results, draws came against Athletic Club and Valencia, with a win recorded at Mallorca. The turning point in the Champions League came on matchday four in a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, which shifted the focus toward finishing third and locking in a Europa League place while keeping a slim chance of progression from the group intact.
Lofty expectations and a precarious domestic form place Sevilla in a delicate position. The new managerial setup under Sampaoli has reshaped the squad, and the Spaniards face a stern test against Copenhagen as well as the group leaders Manchester City. The objective remains clear: win against Copenhagen and hope Dortmund falters, a combination that would revive Sevilla’s prospects of staying in Europe this season.
The schedule is brutal. In the domestic arena, Sevilla host Rayo Vallecano on the Saturday following the European night, a fixture described as almost a final for the Andalusians. The equation is straightforward: beat Copenhagen, then chase a path back to the Europa League through domestic results if they cannot secure the group’s top two spots.
Blow after Madrid defeat
The 3-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend underscored the uphill battle Sevilla face. While the side did manage a 1-1 draw in the second half, they lacked a traditional number nine and looked short of a clinical edge. Sampaoli acknowledged the need for the squad to adapt quickly, but he insisted the Copenhagen match is a decisive fixture and that there is no room for retreat in attitude or execution.
Injuries and squad rotation further complicate selection. Midfield spark Oliver Torres is unavailable for Champions League duties, while Tecatito Corona remains sidelined due to space constraints in the squad. Brazil’s Fernando Reges continues to struggle with mononucleosis, complicating midfield options for the Argentine coach.
On the positive side, winger Marcos Acuña has been reintegrated, and Dutch defender Karim Rekik is back in contention after a bout of persistent discomfort. Rekik’s return is tentative, with medical caution in mind, but his involvement could strengthen Sevilla’s defensive stability as they push for a positive result against Copenhagen.
Defensive options include Marko Dmitrovic in goal, with a backline featuring Montiel, Gudelj, Marcao, and Alex Telles. In midfield, either Rakitic or Delaney could partner Jordan, with Lamela and Papu Gomez providing creative threading in the attacking midfield zone. Isco remains a possibility, while attacking options may see Rafa Mir or the Moroccans Youssef En-Nesyri and other forward choices deployed depending on form and fitness. The squad could also exploit the pace and width offered by Jesús Navas, should his availability align with the tactical plan.
Copenhagen approaching in good shape
Copenhagen arrive in confident mood after a demanding period, with their league position less than ideal. They finished eighth in the Danish top flight last season, ten points behind the leaders, and are keen to show they can compete at this level. A managerial change has reinvigorated the squad, and they have shown improvements, even though domestic results remain fragile and key matches were narrowly missed at home in recent weeks.
Swedish striker Viktor Claesson, among others, has had moments of promise but also recent misfortune with a late penalty miss adding to the frustration. The Danish champions face a squad that could be missing several key figures, including defenders and midfield maestros who have been central to their recent success. The question for Copenhagen is whether they can maintain balance and resilience against a Sevilla side eager to rebound in Europe.
A five-man defensive setup was used by Jacob Neestrup in the previous European contest, a choice that helped stability but could require adjustments if Boilesen picks up an injury or if he needs to reposition defenders to cover gaps. Losing Marko Stamenic to injury has also disrupted the midfield balance. The Danish side will likely rely on their harrying pressing style and quick transitions, aiming to exploit any chances on the counterattack.
Injuries and strong recent performances could see young Roony Bardghji, who became the youngest goalscorer in Danish league history at 16, earn a starting role. The teenager’s speed and technical ability could be decisive if Copenhagen manage to press Sevilla’s defense high and create chances on the break.
Possible lineups
Seville: Dmitrovic; Montiel, Gudelj, Marcao, Alex Telles; Rakitic or Delaney, Jordan; Lamela, Papu Gomez, Isco; Rafa Mir.
Copenhagen: Record; Jelert, Diks, Kocholava, Lund, Kristiansen; Lerager, Haraldsson; Daramy, Claesson, Roony Bardghji.
Referee: Benoît Bastien (France).
Stadium: Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Kickoff: 18:45 (local time).