On January 4, 2026, at 21:00 local time, the 18th round of La Liga will feature a crucial showdown as Sevilla hosts the league’s second-to-last team, Levante, at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. This match not only concerns whether Sevilla can end their two-game losing streak but also impacts Levante’s fight for survival. Adding to the intrigue, Sevilla has an overwhelming advantage in their last nine encounters with Levante, winning eight and drawing one. However, both teams are dealing with extensive injuries and suspensions, adding multiple variables to what might have seemed a one-sided matchup. From makeshift lineups and tactical adaptations to psychological battles, every factor could influence the outcome. The dual challenges of recent form and squad completeness set the tone for this contest.
Sevilla has been struggling recently. In their last league match, they lost 0-2 away to Real Madrid, marking two consecutive defeats in official matches, and they failed to score in both games. Their attack has been stagnant. More critically, the team faces a serious personnel crisis. Head coach Almeida is suspended for one match due to a red card and will be unable to lead the team from the sidelines. Captain Teixeira faces a six-match ban due to accumulated violations. The forward line is further weakened with multiple key attackers, including Vargas and González, either injured or unavailable. Oczuk and Adams are away on African Cup duty, while midfield mainstay Suazo is sidelined with a muscle injury. Both offensive and defensive core structures are severely compromised. Despite these challenges, Sevilla’s historical dominance over Levante at home remains a key asset. Over the past five years, they have maintained a 100% home win rate against Levante, providing an important morale boost for the team.
Levante’s situation is even more precarious. Currently sitting in 20th place with 2 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses, they are deeply entrenched in the relegation zone. In their last three official matches, they have recorded one draw and two losses, failing to win. Their away form is particularly poor, with three consecutive defeats. The team also faces significant squad shortages. Key defender Irurzabal and central back De La Peña are either injured or suspended, while main forwards Brugge and Eyon are unavailable, leaving their offensive and defensive systems nearly incomplete. Although their motivation to fight for survival is high, their limited squad depth makes their chances against Sevilla slim.
The psychological advantage from historical head-to-heads and the clash of tactical styles will largely dictate the flow of the match. Sevilla holds absolute superiority in past encounters, with 19 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses in 30 matches overall. In their last nine official games against Levante, Sevilla has won eight and drawn once. Levante’s last victory over Sevilla dates back to April 2018, giving them a substantial psychological disadvantage. Tactically, despite the coach’s absence, Sevilla is likely to stick to their usual 4-3-3 formation. Midfield orchestrator Rakitic will control the tempo, seeking breakthroughs via wing crosses and set-pieces. Sevilla ranks among the top in La Liga for set-piece scoring, which directly targets Levante’s weaknesses in defending dead-ball situations. However, Sevilla’s defensive stability remains a concern. They have conceded 26 goals in 17 league matches this season and lead the league in yellow cards, highlighting potential disciplinary risks.
Levante, meanwhile, will likely deploy a pragmatic 5-4-1 low-block defense, retreating to compact their backline. They will aim to exploit rare opportunities through long-ball counterattacks and set-pieces. However, their counterattack success rate is below 15%, and their average goals per game this season are under one, offering little consistent threat in attack. Against Sevilla’s high-pressure pressing, Levante faces a high risk of errors in building from the back.
The performance of key players and the effectiveness of makeshift replacements will directly determine whether Sevilla can break through. Despite a weakened forward line, Rakitic remains the central engine of Sevilla’s attack, orchestrating play with precise passing and vision. The recently recovered defender Azpilicueta’s return will provide vital support both defensively and in wide areas. Additionally, the forward runs and long-range shooting of Sow will be a crucial scoring option. With a weakened attack, the ability of midfielders to make late runs into the box becomes even more important. Notably, Sevilla has a 100% win rate when taking the lead this season; an early breakthrough would greatly boost morale and reinforce their dominance over Levante at home.
For Levante to break their long-standing winless streak, they must rely on exceptional performances from their few healthy core players. Defensive midfielders Garcia and Martinez will determine the solidity of the backline; their ability to intercept Rakitic’s passes is key to delaying Sevilla’s attacks. In offense, Ivan Romero’s pace is the team’s only hope on the break. Whether he can exploit moments of defensive laxity will decide Levante’s chance of scoring away points. Furthermore, 35% of Levante’s goals come from set-pieces, making dead-ball situations critical for their limited offensive opportunities. However, the team’s severe defensive absences make it extremely difficult to withstand Sevilla’s sustained pressure, and the replacement players’ ability to cover positions will be rigorously tested.
Overall, this match represents a clash between Sevilla’s attempt to “end a slump with a depleted squad” and Levante’s battle for “survival under pressure.” Although Sevilla faces challenges from the coach’s absence and key player shortages, their historical dominance, home resilience, and set-piece advantage give them the upper hand. Levante, despite high motivation, faces severe squad deficiencies, poor away form, and years of psychological disadvantage, making a comeback highly unlikely. Even with a weakened lineup, Sevilla’s overall strength remains superior; an early lead would likely allow them to continue their dominance over Levante. For Levante, surviving the match requires defensive overperformance and seizing their few counterattack opportunities. Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on Sevilla’s attacking efficiency despite a depleted forward line and whether Levante’s fragile defense can endure 90 minutes of continuous pressure.
Predicted score: Sevilla 1-0 Levante
