Full stands in the Antonio Puerta Trophy

The Club

A VERY ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION OF A MATCH TO FILL THE SÁNCHEZ-PIZJUÁN AND MAKE COMPETITIVE MARK

10/08/2017

Along with the emotional profile of the fixture, the clash should be a rigorous test ahead of the European play-off; Sevilla FC start to risk it all from tonight

The occasion is unparalleled. A Sevilla FC-AS Roma encounter creates plenty of incentive to head to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán and stage a collective trial run ahead of the key event looming mere days away. What better preparation could there be than this for competing at Champions League level? Thursday will be exactly that, and also a throwback to other historic, evocative Thursdays in the club's past. This August night will bring about the first meeting of the season between team and fans, to get the engine started ahead of the significant dates awaiting Sevilla. We have to fill the stadium and show the players -many already know it- and the coaching staff that, from today, this is serious and the level on offer has to be rigorous and competitive to the maximum. A significant battle, with the fans in unison cheering on Eduardo Berizzo's new Sevilla.

An unparalleled day to stage the first meeting between the stands and the team, and to cheer them on as they begin their story

Along with the tremendously emotional nature of the occasion, the Sevilla squad -which will be presented for the first time in front of its people- also offers up the exciting allure of the return of Jesús Navas, wearing the mythical '16' on his back, and the return of the immensely talented Éver Banega, who has already demonstrated -wearing the Sevilla shirt, no less- his best qualities. This, together with the first opportunities for signings such as Spanish international Nolito, right-back Corchia, centre-back Kjaer, midfielder Pizarro and forward Muriel.

On the part of the Italian side, who have already sealed their place in the group stage of the Champions League having impressively finished as runners-up in Serie A, we welcome back two former Sevilla players, Perotti and Fazio. Not to mention a plethora of great players, including Bosnia's all-time top scorer Edin Dzeko; winger and Paraguay international Iturbe; Greek defender Manolas; and Turkish prospect Cengiz Únder, signed by Monchi from Sevilla's Champions League opponent Istanbul Basaksehir, to name a few.

In the build-up to the match, the traditional tribute of flowers from Aitor Puerta will take place, who will have the honour of taking the first kick of the match; and Puerta's image will be be worn on the chests of the two sets of players.

The IX Antonio Puerta Trophy will have its traditional, moving pre-match build-up, with Aitor Puerta's floral offering to take place in the exact location where his father fell. Following that, he will have the honour of leading kick-off, taking the first touch of the game. The match is back to being held in August after not taking place in 2015, and being hosted in November of 2016 due to scheduling issues. It is also worth mentioning that on the front of the shirts of both sets of players -specifically on their chests- they will wear (Sevilla FC in red on a white shirt and Roma black on vermilion) a stamp of Puerta's image and the number '16' to evoke the perpetual presence of the 'left-back of diamonds' throughout the 90 minutes.