Sevilla FC begin rebuild against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga opener

Sevilla FC will begin a new LaLiga EA Sports campaign at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, 15 August, with both clubs seeking a positive start after contrasting summers. The match at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 GMT.

Mahamad Sangare, presenter of the sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina info TV, has backed a cautious opening to the fixture, with a draw at half-time viewed as a serious and prudent option. The headline prediction is listed at odds of 2.00, although prices may change.

Sevilla FC finished 13th last season and have spent the summer attempting to restore the status they enjoyed when European football and continental qualification were regular targets. Their previous campaign ended with consecutive 1-0 defeats, first against Real Madrid and then away to Celta Vigo.

The Andalusian club arranged seven friendlies as part of an intensive preparation programme, including trips to Poland, the Netherlands and Germany. They began with a 1-0 victory over Juventud Torremolinos, followed by a 1-0 defeat by KS Cracovia, a goalless draw with Cordoue and a 2-1 win against Ceuta.

Sevilla FC then continued their preparations in the Netherlands against NEC Nimegue and FC Utrecht before finishing with a visit to Bayer Leverkusen.

The work has been designed to give Luis Garcia Plaza and his players the foundations for a more ambitious season. The club’s priority is no longer simply to remain in the middle of the table; they need to build momentum quickly and move closer to the European places.

The opening round is followed by a demanding sequence for both teams. Sevilla FC travel to Athletic Club next before hosting Atletico de Madrid, while Rayo Vallecano welcome Alaves and then visit FC Barcelona.

Rayo begin under Benat San Jose

Rayo Vallecano arrive after the most significant European campaign in their history. The Madrid club reached the final of the Conference League for the first time, eliminating Racing Club de Strasbourg in the semi-finals before losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the final in Leipzig on 27 May.

Their domestic campaign did not bring European qualification, however, meaning Rayo will have no continental competition this season and can focus entirely on their Spanish commitments.

There has also been a change in the dugout. Inigo Perez left to continue his career at Villarreal, with Benat San Jose appointed as his successor. The new head coach has been tasked with preserving the club’s progress while helping Rayo take another step forward.

Pre-season results have raised concerns, particularly in defence. Rayo lost 2-1 to Heart of Midlothian and 2-1 to Feyenoord before beating Sporting Charleroi 3-2. Their final test ended in a heavy 3-0 defeat by Ipswich Town.

Nine goals conceded in four matches underline the defensive issues Benat San Jose must address. The trip to Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan will therefore provide an immediate test of the new manager’s methods.

Transfer changes at both clubs

Sevilla FC have attempted to reshape their squad, bringing in Jon Guridi from Alaves, Juan Iglesias from Getafe and Senegalese defender Arouna Sangante on a free transfer from Le Havre. Guridi has signed for two seasons, while Sangante has agreed a contract running until June 2031.

The proposed signing of Patrik Mercado was cancelled after the 23-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. He had been expected to join from Independiente del Valle after an agreement between the clubs, but uncertainty over his recovery led Sevilla FC to abandon the deal.

Several experienced players have also departed. Adnan Januzaj and Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland have left, while Nemanja Gudelj has said goodbye after seven seasons and 261 official appearances for Sevilla FC.

Those exits remove considerable experience from a dressing room already trying to move on from several difficult seasons. Luis Garcia Plaza must now establish a settled team and develop understanding among the new arrivals.

Rayo Vallecano’s transfer business has been more focused on continuity. The club made Nobel Mendy’s move permanent after his loan from Real Betis, securing the Senegalese central defender on a full-time basis.

Jozhua Vertrouwd has also joined permanently from CD Castellon after featuring in the squad last season. The Dutch defender offers another option at the back.

Abdul Mumin left Vallecas as a free agent, while Pacha Espino also departed without a transfer fee. Luiz Felipe, however, remains at the club after extending his contract until 2027, giving Benat San Jose an experienced defender to rely on.

Rayo have lost two attacking options from last season. Ilias Akhomach returned to Villarreal at the end of his loan, while Carlos Martin went back to Atletico de Madrid.

Recent league meetings favour Sevilla FC strongly. Across the past 22 LaLiga encounters, Sevilla FC have won 13 times, compared with two victories for Rayo Vallecano, while seven matches ended level. Sevilla FC scored 43 goals in those games to Rayo’s 19 and are unbeaten in the clubs’ last five meetings.

The matches have generally been closely contested rather than high-scoring: only 32% of the last 22 league meetings produced more than 3.5 goals.

With Sevilla FC rebuilding and Rayo Vallecano starting under a new manager, the opening half may be approached carefully. Sangare’s conclusion is: “C’est, a mon avis, le choix le plus securisant.”