Sevilla - Mallorca

On the 25th of February 2025, Sevilla will host Mallorca at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium for an exciting La Liga fixture. Sevilla, with their strong home form and high ambitions for the top spots in La Liga, will be favorites to win. Mallorca, however, will come to the game with the intention of securing points as they aim to distance themselves from the lower part of the table. Both teams are coming off mixed results recently, but Sevilla’s attacking depth and defensive solidity should give them the edge in this matchup.

Sevilla’s Form and Key Players

Sevilla enters this match after a solid run in La Liga, despite some struggles early in the season. The team, managed by José Luis Mendilibar, has regained form and will be confident at home. Sevilla’s attacking play revolves around key players like Youssef En-Nesyri, who has been clinical in front of goal, and Lucas Ocampos, whose pace and dribbling make him a constant threat on the wing.

In midfield, Sevilla will rely on the experience of Joan Jordán and the creativity of Isco to control the game. They will look to dominate possession and create chances through the middle and the flanks. Sevilla’s defense, led by the solid duo of Tanguy Nianzou and Diego Carlos, has been impressive in recent weeks, and they will need to keep a close eye on Mallorca’s attacking threats.

Mallorca’s Form and Key Players

Mallorca has been solid defensively this season, making them difficult to break down. However, their attacking output has been inconsistent, and they will need a much-improved performance in this match if they are to get a positive result at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Mallorca has shown resilience against tougher opposition, and manager Javier Aguirre will have them organized and ready to defend. Mallorca’s primary threat comes from the experienced forward Vedat Muriqi, who has been their top scorer this season. Muriqi’s physical presence and aerial ability will be key to their attacking approach.

Additionally, Dani Rodríguez’s creativity and ability to link up play will be crucial for Mallorca. If he can deliver accurate balls into the box for Muriqi or make runs into dangerous areas, Mallorca could pose a significant threat to Sevilla’s defense. Mallorca will likely play a counter-attacking style, hoping to take advantage of any defensive lapses from Sevilla.

Tactics and Key Areas to Watch

Sevilla’s Approach:

Sevilla will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on attacking play while maintaining defensive stability. They will look to dominate possession, controlling the tempo of the game through their midfield. Isco’s creativity and passing range will be crucial in unlocking Mallorca’s defensive lines, while Ocampos’ direct running will provide width and stretch the defense.

Sevilla’s full-backs, Jesús Navas and Marcos Acuña, will be key in providing offensive support from wide positions. Both are capable of delivering dangerous crosses into the box for En-Nesyri and other attacking players. In defense, Sevilla will rely on Nianzou and Carlos to deal with the aerial threat of Muriqi and to keep Mallorca from exploiting spaces on the counter-attack.

Mallorca’s Approach:

Mallorca will likely adopt a 4-4-2 formation, sitting deep and defending compactly to frustrate Sevilla. Their primary tactic will be to remain organized defensively and to hit on the counter-attack with pace. Mallorca will rely heavily on Muriqi’s hold-up play and his ability to win headers in the attacking third. The team will look to launch quick counters, with Rodríguez feeding the ball into dangerous areas for Muriqi to exploit.

Mallorca’s wide players, such as Pablo Maffeo and Lago Junior, will need to track back and help in defense but will also be crucial in launching quick breaks. Mallorca’s success will depend on their ability to deny Sevilla time on the ball and to quickly transition from defense to attack. Defensively, Mallorca will need to be alert to Sevilla’s quick combination play and the movement of players like Ocampos and En-Nesyri.

Prediction and Conclusion

Sevilla will be the favorites in this match, given their superior squad depth, home advantage, and strong recent form. While Mallorca will look to defend resolutely and capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks, Sevilla’s attacking quality and overall balance should see them through. Youssef En-Nesyri’s clinical finishing, along with the creativity of Isco and Ocampos, should be enough to secure a victory for Sevilla.

Mallorca will make it difficult for Sevilla, but their lack of attacking options and the superior quality of Sevilla in both attack and defense will likely result in a 2-1 victory for the home side. Sevilla will continue their push for European spots, while Mallorca will need to take positives from their resilience.