Can Sevilla notch a sixth UEFA Europa League title this season?

In an age where consistent success on the European stage is a pipe dream for many, and where spells of dominance are fleeting, Sevilla’s remarkable achievement of winning three consecutive Europa League titles between 2014 and 2016 deserves endless praise.

Unai Emery’s Sevilla team made the competition their pride and joy, sweeping away the rest of the field across those three unforgettable seasons. Fired by irresistible forwards like Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro, backed up by the silky-smooth Ever Banega, with Steven N’Zonzi providing the midfield ballast, the Spanish side were a force to be reckoned with and few could resist their class.

Their Europa League final appearances between 2014 and 2016 all represented gutsy, brave performances, seeing off Benfica, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool respectively to claim the trophy. Their other two Europa League titles were also won consecutively, in 2006 and 2007, making Sevilla the undisputed kings of Europe’s secondary club competition. Their five Europa League/UEFA Cup titles in total is a record.

On the Hunt

This season, Los Nervionenses have again looked suitably dominant in the Europa League so far. They boast a 100% winning record in a group that contains Apoel Nicosia, Qarabag FK, and Dudelange. After two seasons in which Sevilla made the knockout stages of the Champions League, followed by a disappointing last 16 defeat to Slavia Prague in last season’s Europa League, there is a sense that the Spanish side mean business this term. They are currently third-favourites to win the competition in UEFA Europa League betting offers.

Their performances have been reminiscent of their winning form of past campaigns, racking up a total of 14 goals from their first five group games, whilst conceding only two at the other end. The quality of the opposition could, of course, be questioned, but all a team can do is beat what’s put in front of them and that’s what Sevilla have done with considerable aplomb.
It’s going to take another almighty effort if they’re going to make it a magnificent six Europa League crowns. Heavyweights like Manchester United, Arsenal and Roma may have plenty to say when the business end of the tournament rolls around.

New Age

Few of the squad who won those three successive titles remain at the club, so it’s up to Sevilla’s new guard to carry on the club’s tradition of excellence in the Europa League. Mexican forward Javier Hernandez is a new face at Sevilla this season, but brings experience to the table and knows what it takes to win trophies. Midfielder Fernando, who joined in the summer, also has experience winning titles with Galatasaray and Manchester City.

Club legend Jesus Navas missed out on the three-in-a-row as he was playing for Manchester City at the time, but was part of the 2005-06 and 2006-07 Europa League winning teams. As captain, he’ll be desperate to bring more European silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet.

One player who remains is the earlier-mentioned Banega, a player whose wealth of experience will be key if the club are to taste European success yet again. He returned to the south of Spain in 2017 after spending a single season with Inter Milan.

Banega is the kind of player who can control the tempo of the game – a metronomic presence in attacking midfield to instigate Sevilla’s forward thrust, and to slow the game down when required. With 65 caps for Argentina, the 31-year-old is an experienced head and an important cog in the team.
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The Europa League is a long old slog of a competition, and to win it requires talent, team spirit and momentum in equal measure. Sevilla have proved five times in the past that they have what it takes to strike the balance between domestic and European commitments. If they can create that singular winning mentality once again, then Sevilla’s love affair with the Europa League may well be reignited.

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