In a season where Sevilla FC has continued to outperform its own sparkling history in both the Champions League and the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, this Tuesday evening marks one of the most important, unprecedented and unforgettable fixtures in the club's 127 years in existence: Sevilla FC vs. Liverpool FC in Nervión. With the five-time Champions League winners having never played in an official match in the red fortress, but - surely - having no other ambition than to go out for victory in the Andalucían capital, the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán looks set for a blockbuster of a fixture which could be determinant in each club's trajectory. With the home side also five-time European champions, and growing ever-confident in Champions League football, only one side will be used to the magic of Nervión on a Champions League night - which could be the deciding factor in a crunch-fixture for Champions League Group E.
The challenge is to take a big step forward on a big night of European football. Eduardo Berizzo's Sevilla has been growing from strength to strength as of late and will feel that tonight's fixture arrives at the best possible moment to consolidate outstanding home form. Growing both as a team and in individual performances, Sevillistas all over the world will be expecting a performance from its vast stockpile of footballing talent. Klopp's Liverpool, meanwhile, comes into the match in great form and clearly dangerous. The English side boast a game characterised by possession, speed and incisive attacks, but have also shown defensive frailties in domestic competition. The same fixture in Anfield - just three weeks ago - will serve as a good point of reference for Sevillistas. After a weak first-half which saw the visitors at the mercy of the reds, Sevilla FC grew into the game - not only finding an equaliser but also finding chances to take all three points.
The second half of Anfield's game three weeks ago serves a good example of how Sevilla can unsettle the English giants
At Anfield, after Ben Yedder made it 0-1 but goals from Firmino and Salah put the hosts in front, Muriel was eventually able to put Joaquín Correa through to level the scoreline once again. The cherry on top of a back-and-forth battle could have come at the very end, with Muriel having the opportunity to give Sevilla a famous 2-3 win. The Colombian's effort slid inches wide and Sevilla picked up a hard-earned point. Looking past the dangers of the visiting side - who boast spectacular talent in the form of Salah, Coutinho, Mané, Emre Can - Berizzo's men have the chance to prove their worth and display that famous Sevillista DNA. In such a huge game, the home side will undoubtedly have to come together in a monumental effort; Nervión, undoubtedly the 'Sevillian Anfield', should do the rest.