Can Sevilla win their first La Liga title in over 70 years?

Sevilla could win their first La Liga title since 1946 as they continue to challenge Real Madrid for the trophy.

The six-time Europa League winners are second in the La Liga standings, six points behind the most successful side in the league’s history.

Defensive prowess

Sevilla have the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 16 goals in 23 games. Defenders Jules Kounde and Marcos Acuna have been pivotal for the team when protecting the goal and progressing the ball forward.

Both players have a passing accuracy of over 85% with Acuna also picking up three assist this season. Neither Kounde nor Acuna have made an error leading to a goal so far and have kept seven league clean sheets when partnered together.

Goalkeeper Bono has also had a very impressive season, keeping ten clean sheets in 18 games. On average, the Moroccan has conceded 0.6 goals per game and saved 80% of the shots he has faced. The shot stopper has saved one of two penalties faced this campaign and he is in contention to be the La Liga goalkeeper of the season.

Joan Jordan has featured in all 23 league games this season and his consistency has helped cover the defence throughout the campaign. He rarely loses the ball, completing 90% of his passes this season, and ranks in the 89^th percentile in passes attempted in Europe’s top five leagues.

Playing alongside Ivan Rakitic for large parts of the season, Sevilla’s midfielders have been brilliant in keeping the ball and avoiding mistakes for the defenders.

Attacking additions

Julen Lopetegui’s side have not been as strong in the attacking third compared to their defensive capabilities.

Sevilla have scored 34 league goals so far, the fewest of the teams currently in the top six. Their top scorer in the league is Rafa Mir with six goals, with Lucas Ocampos in second with five.

Sevilla however have strengthened their attack in the January transfer window with the additions of Anthony Martial and Jesus ‘Tecatito’ Corona.

Martial struggled to find game time at Manchester United and has joined Sevilla on loan for the rest of the season. Corona is yet to score in 2021-22 for either Porto or Sevilla, but his dribbling and passing abilities can help create chances for the strikers.

Since playing Levante in October, Sevilla have failed to score three goals in a single game. Their fans will be hoping the experience of Martial and Corona will help take the pressure off 24-year-old Mir for goals. Both will try to emulate their 2019-20 season where Martial scored 17 league goals and Corona racked up 11 assists.

With the 2022 World Cup also taking place at the end of the year, it will be important for the players to perform in order to secure a spot for their respective national teams.

Recent form

After starting the new year with two wins from two, Sevilla have drawn their last three league games. In their most recent fixture against Osasuna, Rakitic missed a 93^rd minute penalty as the game finished 0-0.

Since getting knocked out the Copa del Rey by Real Betis in the round of 16, Sevilla are winless in four games. They face Elche in La Liga tonight before their Europa League campaign begins against Dinamo Zagreb next week.

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