SEVILLA FC ARRIVE TO THE FINAL SPRINT WITH MORE MINUTES IN THEIR LEGS THAN ANYONE

There are only six matches left to put an end to one of the most challenging periods in the history of Sevilla FC. Since football returned following the break caused by COVID-19 on 11 June 2020 with none other than El Gran Derbi, Sevilla have been going for 316 days with barely a break. The team did not even have the traditional summer break, so necessary for the players in their recovery from a demanding season, as they had to head to Germany for an express edition of the UEFA Europa League which they ended up bringing back to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

The majority had little over ten days break as a reward before they had to return to work ahead of the imminent UEFA Super Cup final in Budapest. The internationals had even less rest as they went straight from Cologne to their national teams, leaving them without a chance to have a break which logically will be having effects on both the individual players and the team as a whole this season. However, far from using this handicap as an excuse, the squad and coaching staff have used the difficulties of this season as extra motivation to chase their goals. The team have come to the last six matches with their principal objective virtually secured and with no intention of taking their foot of the gas.

Sevilla FC have had ten uninterrupted months of action since 11 June 2020

They find themselves in this privileged position despite being the team with most matches played of all six sides in the European spots. Lopetegui's men have played no fewer than 63 games, three more than FC Barcelona and four more than Villarreal CF. Real Madrid follow them with 56, Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad are on 54 while Real Betis sit on 48 games played. Only one team can equal Sevilla and that is fellow Andalusian side Granada CF who the team play this Sunday. Even if only this season is taken into consideration, Sevilla still have played the joint-most games alongside Villarreal with 48. Both are followed by Barcelona (47) and Madrid (44).

Sevilla FC have managed to post some of the best stats in the history despite the difficulty of this campaign. They are currently one point of an achievement that they have not managed in more than a decade: two consecutive qualifications for the Champions League. The last time was in 08/09 and 09/10. In the first year, they finished on 70 points - three more than they have this season. The year after, Rodri's famous goal in Almería secured fourth place with 63 points - four less than what the team have now with 18 still to play for. The stats make it clear Sevilla are enjoying a golden moment and prove that the team's DNA is to grow in the face of adversity.