THE BEST START TO A 20-TEAM SEASON

Although Saturday's draw against Alavés left a bittersweet taste in the mouth, Rakitic's stoppage time equaliser not only allowed the team to go top of the table, but to also set a new club record after thirteen matches. A third of the season has now been completed, and Sevilla's statistics in the opening third of the season are, in fact, the best in the club's history, in terms of a 20-team season in the top-flight. 

The team have won eight matches, drawn four and lost just once so far this season, which means the team are league leaders for at least a few hours. They are on 28 points after thirteen matches, a record that has only been equalled by one other Sevilla side. That was back in 2006/07, when Juande Ramos was at the helm. However, the current side have a better goal difference with 14, compared to 13. They are also Julen Lopetegui's best numbers, compared to his points tallies of 23 last season and 24 in his debut season. 

After the two seasons with 28 points, the next-best start came in 2009/10 under Manolo Jiménez, with just one point less. Jorge Sampaoli also reached 27 points back in 2016/17, but Jiménez's team had a better goal difference. 26 points, equalling two points per match, was achieved by Pablo Machín in 2018/19 and Unai Emery in 2014/15. Now it's time to head into the second third of the season, which starts off with a demanding run of fixtures. The next three consist of a home match against Villarreal sandwiched between trips to the Bernabéu and San Mamés.