Sevilla – Dortmund : Preview & Prediction
Sevilla FC experienced last Saturday a new chapter in its alarming start to the season, losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. With no time to mourn and with Julen Lopetegui’s continuity on the bench hanging by a thread, the Blanquirrojo team is playing for its future in the XXXI UEFA Champions League (UCL), in which it is on the verge of chaining two editions being eliminated in the group stage for the first time.
Sinking in LaLiga Santander -Sevilla’s worst record in the first seven games of a campaign since returning to the Primera in 2001-, the club is currently bottom of UCL Group G with just one point and no goals scored (E1, P1). Although the Blanquirrojos have received visits from true European giants such as Barcelona and Manchester City, a record of one draw and three (consecutive) defeats in their matches at the RSP this season is more than worrying.
Borussia Dortmund, who have lost three of their last four matches, are not at their best either. Edin Terzic’s side also lost to Manchester City in this group stage (MCI 2-1 BVB), but have two points more than Sevilla thanks to their 3-0 win over Copenhagen. The last two clashes of the Black-and-Whites against Sevilla date back to 2021 (1/8s UCL), which ended with a 5-4 aggregate score for the German team. A positive result at Sevilla’s home ground would be a giant step towards their fourth UCL play-off qualification in five seasons, leaving behind their elimination in the last group stage.
Defeated 3-2 away to Cologne on Saturday, Dortmund’s average of 3.71 total goals scored in European matches since the start of the aforementioned tie against Sevilla could increase further. The German side, who have lost each of their last three outings conceding at least two goals, cannot be complacent against an opponent in crisis.
Players to watch: Midfielder Thomas Delaney faces his former club, for whom he made more than 60 appearances before moving to Seville. His counterpart Jude Bellingham, whom Dortmund are looking to renew with a €150m termination clause, has scored in the last three games for his club (excluding Bundesliga).
Key statistic: only one team or no team has scored in seven of Sevilla’s previous eight matches in UEFA competitions.
Sevilla – Dortmund : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
