Sevilla: 5 reasons they can top Barcelona in the La Liga standings
By Roy Emanuel
A look at why Sevilla’s success can drive them ahead of Barcelona.
The 2016-17 La Liga campaign has seen major excitement thus far, and many of the thrills have come from Sevilla. Currently in second place and only a point behind Real Madrid, Los Nervionenses have been a force in the Spanish first division.
A seventh-place finish last season was disappointing, but Sevilla still found success in other competitions. Their Europa League triumph over Liverpool this past May was their third straight title in the competition and their fifth in the past ten years.
But the summer brought hints of optimism and the feeling of a new era. Manager Unai Emery left to take over at Paris Saint-Germain and the club brought in former Chilean national team manager Jorge Sampaoli. What may have seemed like a risk in some ways, Sevilla have seen their players respond fantastically to their new leadership.
Chile captured the 2015 Copa America championship and Sampaoli was praised for his impressive work, but Sevilla would be his first position in Europe. Some may have thought the transition would be difficult. But instead, the Argentine tactician has his side in the midst of La Liga’s title race.
We take a look at five reasons why not only their good form will continue in 2017, but why Sevilla can finish ahead of Barcelona in the league table.