Sevilla FC and Valencia CF are gearing up for their much-anticipated La Liga clash at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on January 11, 2025. The match promises to be pivotal for both teams as they seek to reverse their recent fortunes.
Entering this contest, Sevilla is currently positioned 14th on the La Liga table, having gathered 22 points from 18 matches. The team’s recent form has been lackluster, with head coach García Pimienta noting the recent defeats have intensified the pressure to perform. Sevilla faced two tough losses recently, including a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid and a shocking 4-1 loss to Almería in the Copa del Rey. Despite these setbacks, the side has shown resilience at home, accumulating 16 points from nine matches played at their stadium this season.
"After the match in Almería, I'm looking forward to playing again tomorrow against Valencia. It's a different Valencia side. There’s a different energy for the players,” Pimienta stated, emphasizing the need for his team to bounce back. The challenge will not be easy, especially with injuries plaguing the squad, as key players like Djibril Sow, Adria Pedrosa, Chidera Ejuke, Rafa Mir, and Tanguy Nianzou are unavailable for selection.
On the other hand, Valencia finds itself positioned dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting 19th with just 12 points. The team has faced its challenges this season, struggling to find form with only two wins to their name, and their away record is yet to show any signs of improvement. Their last game ended in disappointment, with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, though they recently secured victory against Eldense, winning 2-0 to progress to the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Valencia's head coach, Carlos Corberan, is hopeful as he prepares his side for this must-win encounter. "I expect a very competitive match, where what matters most to me is the attitude of my team. That is the key. We want to continue taking steps forward and to take advantage of the opportunity against Sevilla FC and continue growing," he reflected. Valencia’s squad also faces injury issues, with Fran Perez, Jose Gaya, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Thierry Correia ruled out. The potential return of Pepelu after suspension could offer some much-needed depth.
This matchup not only features two struggling teams but also highlights the intense rivalry between them. Their last meeting concluded with Valencia edging out Sevilla 2-1, emphasizing the unpredictability of their encounters as three of the last five contests have ended in draws. These teams have met 64 times historically, with Sevilla winning 25, Valencia 26, and 13 matches resulting in draws.
Sevilla’s possible lineup for the match is expected to include Fernandez (GK); Carmona, Bade, Gudelj, Salas; Lukebakio, Agoume, Lokonga, Idumbo; Sanchez, Romero. Meanwhile, Valencia is likely to lineup with Dimitrievski (GK); Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gasiorowski; Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja; Almeida, Duro, giving them speed and agility on the pitch.
Given the historical significance and the current stakes, both teams will be aiming not only for points but to restore faith among their respective supporters. With the match expected to kick off at 8:00 PM UK time, fans from around the world will be watching to see if Sevilla can secure the much-needed victory at home or if Valencia can break their winless streak on the road.
The fans are eager, the stakes are high, and both teams know they must perform. The outcome could have ramifications for relegation for Valencia and for Sevilla’s mid-table aspirations. It’s safe to say this will be one of the more captivating fixtures of the La Liga season, promising intensity and drama as they fight for survival and pride.