Luis García Plaza gives Sevilla FC crucial edge in survival clash with Levante

Seville, Spain — With just two points separating Sevilla FC from the relegation zone, the Andalusian club faces what amounts to a season-defining match against Levante UD on Sunday. A victory would not only secure vital three points but could also inflict a near-fatal blow on their direct rivals’ survival hopes, with only six matches remaining in La Liga.

The stakes could not be higher for a Sevilla side that has endured a turbulent season under two different managers. Since taking over in February, head coach Luis García Plaza has instilled a renewed sense of purpose, most notably demonstrated by their impressive 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in March — a result that has grow a cornerstone of the club’s renewed optimism.

“For us, it’s almost like a life-or-death knockout tie,” a Sevilla source close to the dressing room told local media, echoing the sentiment felt throughout the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. The club’s hierarchy placed significant trust in García Plaza’s extensive knowledge of Spanish football when appointing him to replace the underperforming Matías Almeyda, believing his experience would provide the necessary spark to ignite a fight for survival.

García Plaza’s impact since February

García Plaza’s tenure began with a challenging 1-0 loss to Real Betis in the Seville derby, but the tide began to turn with a hard-fought draw against Valencia and then the landmark win over Atlético Madrid. That victory, secured by goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and Lucas Ocampos, showcased a tactical discipline and defensive resilience that had been absent earlier in the campaign.

Since then, Sevilla have recorded three wins, two draws, and two losses in La Liga under the Spaniard, accumulating 11 points from a possible 21. Whereas the form has been inconsistent, the underlying metrics have shown improvement: the team has conceded just 0.8 goals per game in García Plaza’s matches compared to 1.5 under Almeyda, and their expected goals against has dropped from 1.3 to 0.9.

Defensively, the arrival of García Plaza has coincided with the emergence of goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović as a reliable last line of defense, while the back four of Jesús Navas, Karim Rekik, Marc Cucurella, and Alex Telles has begun to function as a cohesive unit. Offensively, the creativity of Ivan Rakitić and the pace of Suso have been harnessed more effectively, providing the platform for En-Nesyri to thrive as the focal point.

Levante’s precarious position

Levante arrive at the Sánchez-Pizjuán with their own survival aspirations hanging by a thread. Currently sitting 18th in La Liga with 28 points, they are just one point above the drop zone and have won only two of their last eight matches. A defeat in Seville would exit them with a daunting task to avoid relegation, requiring near-perfect form in their remaining fixtures to stay afloat.

The Granotas have struggled defensively all season, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per game — the third-worst record in the league. Their away form is particularly concerning, with just one win on the road all season and a goal difference of -15 in those matches. But, they do possess attacking threats in the form of José Luis Morales and Roger Martí, who have combined for 15 goals this season.

Levante’s manager, Julián Calero, has emphasized the importance of this match, stating in a pre-game press conference that “this is a final for us too.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, pointing to their recent 2-1 win over Getafe as evidence of their fighting spirit.

Tactical considerations

García Plaza is expected to maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation that has brought him success since his appointment, with Dmitrović in goal and a back four of Navas, Rekik, Cucurella, and Telles. The double pivot will likely feature Fernando and Joan Jordán, providing defensive cover while allowing Rakitić to operate in a more advanced role.

Levante, meanwhile, are likely to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Diego Conde in goal and a defensive line of Pedro López, Jesús Fernández, Róbert Sáez, and José Luis García. Morales and Martí will lead the line, supported by the creativity of Pablo Martínez and the energy of Rubén Vezo on the flanks.

The key battle will be in midfield, where Sevilla’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo could prove decisive. García Plaza’s side has averaged 58% possession in his matches, compared to Levante’s 45% away from home. If Sevilla can impose their will in the center of the park, they will create ample opportunities for their attacking trio to exploit Levante’s vulnerable defense.

Historical context

Sevilla hold a significant historical advantage in this fixture, having won 15 of the last 20 meetings between the two sides in La Liga. The most recent encounter, a 2-0 victory for Sevilla at the Ciutat de València in December 2023, demonstrated the Andalusians’ ability to break down Levante’s defense with clinical efficiency.

However, the Granotas have shown they can cause upsets, notably winning 3-2 at the Sánchez-Pizjuán in February 2022 — a result that came during a turbulent period for Sevilla under Julen Lopetegui. That victory remains Levante’s only win in Seville since 2018, highlighting the difficulty they face when visiting the Andalusian capital.

Sevilla’s home form this season has been a source of concern, with just four wins in 13 home matches — the second-worst home record in La Liga. But under García Plaza, they have won two of their three home games, including the prestigious victory over Atlético Madrid, suggesting a potential turnaround in fortunes at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.

What’s at stake

A win for Sevilla would move them to 34 points, creating a five-point cushion over the relegation zone and significantly easing the pressure in the final stretch of the season. More importantly, it would leave Levante stranded on 28 points, requiring them to win at least four of their remaining six matches to have any realistic chance of survival — a tall order given their current form.

Conversely, a Levante victory would see them jump to 31 points, putting immediate pressure on Sevilla and reigniting the relegation battle with six games left to play. For the Granotas, three points in Seville would represent a lifeline, potentially transforming their survival hopes from a distant dream into a tangible possibility.

The psychological impact cannot be overlooked. A Sevilla win would not only boost morale but also validate the decision to appoint García Plaza, reinforcing the belief that the club has found the right man to steer them away from danger. For Levante, a loss would deepen the sense of crisis surrounding the club, potentially affecting player confidence and team cohesion in the crucial weeks ahead.

Looking ahead

Regardless of the outcome, both teams face challenging fixtures in the week that follows. Sevilla travel to face Villarreal on Thursday, a match that will test their ability to maintain momentum against a top-six side. Levante host Real Sociedad on Wednesday, a fixture that could prove equally pivotal in their survival quest.

As the La Liga season enters its final, frantic phase, matches like this one between Sevilla and Levante serve as stark reminders of how fine the margins can be between survival and despair. With just two points separating Sevilla from the drop zone, every point earned — or dropped — could prove decisive in determining which clubs celebrate survival and which face the agony of relegation.

The match kicks off at 4:00 PM local time (3:00 PM UTC) on Sunday at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium in Seville. For Sevilla FC, it represents not just another game, but a vital opportunity to seize control of their destiny and begin the journey toward securing their La Liga status for another season.

What do you reckon will be the deciding factor in this crucial Sevilla vs Levante clash? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football fans who need to stay informed about the La Liga survival battle.