THE WOMEN START 2022 WITH A VISIT FROM RAYO VALLECANO

Sevilla FC Femenino will face Rayo Vallecano this Wednesday. Off the back of a victory at home against Madrid CFF, our ladies open 2022 with a clash at home hoping to continue this form. What stands in their way is a team that had already shown in the return leg it is capable of winning by the narrowest of margins and will surely go for the victory against Cristian Toro's girls. 

The ladies also want to revive some good home form. After the goalless draw against against Atlético de Madrid and the narrow defeat to UDG Tenerife at the end of the year, the team will look to get back on track and get the fans back on their side after such a demanding week. Also, it is worth noting that in the return leg that took place on matchday eight, Miguel Ángel Quejigo's girls came out on top with a goal from Millene. Despite all the visitors' attempts to neutralise that early second half goal, ultimately the multiple chances created went astray. 

"We must face this match head-on with the upmost seriousness, belief and tenacity to keep on improving"

When speaking to the media, the manager said that firstly, we must go into the game in the best way to continue growing: "We have three games in just one week. I see the game against Rayo as hard and complicated because they only have one win and that came up against us. Due to this, it is more than enough to motivate them, not just considering the league standings. Last year, in the two matches we played, we were unable to beat them and this year we have lost at their place. They are difficult opponents for us and we have to be on top form in the reverse fixture at home, a place where we haven't won in three, which should strengthen our motivation to face this match head-on with the upmost seriousness, belief and tenacity to keep on improving". Expanding on this, the manager analysed the current state of his players ahead of the encounter against a motivated opponent: "Physically, the team is good, but match fitness and training fitness are not the same. All at once, it is a couple of sessions, compete and compete. It is important to analyse and look at our options during the game against highly motivated opponents that have already beaten us and will want to get off the bottom. We need to look for this tenacity that epitomises the team when we are in top form". 

Finally, the boss spoke about Wednesday's opponents, although being focused on his own players' consistency: "I anticipate that Rayo are coming to sit back, aiming to counter attack. It is a team that links up well and has quality players in midfield. It is a team playing for survival and I always say, a team playing for it's life is a team in it's best form. I have experienced this through the years and I know about the responsibility and the boost it gives. We have to look to be consistent and continue to grow, just like always". 

The match will get underway from 17:00 (CET) at the Estadio Jesús Navas, in control of the game will be Elena Casal Fernández. It is worth noting that matchday seventeen can be followed live on Sevilla FC Radio, Sevilla FC Televisión and the club's social medias.