Overview
Levante entered the match against Sevilla with clear signs of revival in the final stage of the season. Three victories in the last 6 matches have rekindled the hope of relegation for coach Luis Castro's team, especially after a minimal victory over Getafe thanks to Carlos Espi's late goal.
Castro's tactical adjustments are helping Levante significantly improve their organizational and defensive capabilities, factors that have made them struggle for most of the season.
However, the overall achievement still reflects a difficult season for the newly promoted team with only 7 wins after 31 matches. Levante's biggest weakness lies at home when they have only won 17 points after 16 matches, belonging to the bottom group in the league. In the context of being 19th with 29 points and 6 points behind the safe group, each remaining match is vital.
A spiritual support for Levante is the 3-0 victory over Sevilla in the first leg in January, the result that helped them end a 9-match winless streak against this opponent. However, in terms of head-to-head history, Sevilla still has a superior advantage.
On the other side, Sevilla is also experiencing an unstable season when they are only ranked 16th with 34 points and cannot be assured in the relegation race. After a 3-match losing streak, coach Luis Garcia's team promptly regained confidence with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, thereby partly relieving pressure.
However, Sevilla's away form is still a big problem as they have lost 8 out of 15 away matches this season. This makes the away trip to Ciutat de Valencia potentially risky, especially when Levante is fighting with a spirit of having nothing to lose.
In a context where both teams are not safe, this is truly a turning point match. A victory will open up a great opportunity to stay in the league, while defeat can lead to irreparable consequences as the season is coming to an end.
Personnel situation
Levante entered this match in a context where the force is not stable when Roger Brugue still leaves open the possibility of playing due to a ligament injury. Unai Elgezabal is definitely absent due to muscle problems and can only return in early May.
However, the home team still has a foothold in attack as Espi continues to be the biggest hope after scoring the decisive goal against Getafe. He has increased his total number of goals to 10 in 20 appearances in La Liga this season and is almost certain to start.
In midfield, Pablo Martinez and Ugo Raghouber are likely to be given a starting opportunity, while young talent Kareem Tunde is expected to continue to be on the right flank in his 16th appearance in the tournament.
On the other side, Sevilla also suffered losses when Marcao was absent due to a knee injury and Cesar Azpilicueta could not return due to a hamstring injury.
A positive point for the away team is the return of Lucien Agoume after suspension. This midfielder is likely to start alongside Nemanja Gudelj and Manu Bueno in midfield, helping Sevilla maintain balance in their play.
Expected lineup:
Ryan, Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sanchez, Tunde, Martinez, Raghouber, Olasagasti, Espi, Romero.
Vlachodimos, Oso, Salas, Castrin, Sanchez, Bueno, Gudelj, Agoume, Vargas, Adams, Romero.
The match between Levante and Sevilla takes place at 0:00 AM on April 24 (Vietnam time).
