Despite a very difficult season, resulting in a disappointing twelfth place in La Liga, the Sevillians were once again able to arm themselves to win their seventh Europa League, a competition record.
Former Manchester City veteran captain Jesus Navas (37) offered himself the scalps of Manchester United and Juventus Turin on their way to the final, before stealing the cup from Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.
The Andalusian club dreams of playing another evil trick on a mighty European with the help of its Moroccan goalkeeper Yassin Bounou, the experienced Ivan Rakitic, the fiery but sometimes volatile Lucas Ocampos and Erik Lamela and its aggressive offensive N.1, Youssef N. . – Nesiri.
De Bruyne Ski Pass
In contrast, the Citizens’ armada appears better equipped to compete head-to-head in the Championship and European competitions, even without their midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, on Friday at Burnley (3-0) Package after being injured again in the opening against the Premier League.
Even without Ruben Dias or Bernardo Silva unavailable, the European champion’s team still has trepidation around Rodri, the scorer in the final against Inter Milan (1-0) in June, Croatian novices Josco Guardiol and Mateo Kovacic, enthusiasts Julian Alvarez and Attacker Golgoth Erling Haaland.
In addition, there will also be a 100% Spanish duel between Pep Guardiola, the Citizens’ coach since 2016, and José Luis Mendilibar, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli’s moribund Sevilla FC last spring.
“When you watch the Mandilibar team play, you can recognize their influence. They are aggressive and immediately attack the ball,” says Guardiola.
The Catalan technician is therefore wary of the Andalusian, who had a decidedly poor start in La Liga on Friday (a 2-1 defeat against Valencia) but who is eager to replenish his rich trophy cabinet once forecasters defy. Will be again.