Sevilla under García Plaza leave relegation fears behind: 13 points and fifth after seven rounds

Sevilla have turned the suffering of recent seasons into genuine optimism. After years of fighting until the final matchday to stay in the top flight, Luis García Plaza's team head into the first international break sitting fifth in LaLiga with 13 points from a possible 21. Four wins, one draw and two defeats —both against Atlético Madrid and Barcelona— paint the picture of a side competing again and reconnecting with a passionate fanbase.

• Sevilla are fifth with 13 points after winning four games, drawing one and losing only to Atlético and Barcelona.
• High pressing has become the signature of García Plaza's new project.
• Youssouf Fofana, signed on loan from Milan on deadline day, is already making a difference in midfield.
• Juan Iglesias brings defensive solidity while Kike Salas is delivering an outstanding start.
• Goals are widely spread: ten scored by nine different players.

What has changed under Luis García Plaza at Sevilla

The Seville-born coach took over in March after replacing Matías Almeyda and, together with sporting director José Ignacio Navarro, built a squad designed to avoid another nerve-wracking season. The club carried out a squad clean-up that freed up significant wages and operated under a tight financial plan that will require continued sales in upcoming windows to sustain the project. The immediate result is a recognizable, intense team with a clearly defined tactical identity.

Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán becomes a fortress again

Only Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have won at Nervión this season. Sevilla competed well in both games and showed encouraging spells, although they ultimately fell to the greater firepower of their opponents. The crowd has responded immediately: more than 40,000 fans filled the stands against Hansi Flick's side, proof that supporters sense a real change in the team's energy.

The high-pressing plan making the difference

Relentless high pressing regardless of the opponent is the defining feature of this Sevilla side. The numbers place them among the teams in Europe's top five leagues with the most recoveries in dangerous areas and the most pressing actions. That aggression without the ball, combined with García Plaza's increasingly sharp in-game management, is allowing the team to compete with a consistency missing in recent years.

The signings that have raised the defensive level

The arrival of Juan Iglesias has brought a major boost in solidity at the back. His goal against Valencia sparked the team, while his defensive presence has stabilized a backline that also features an outstanding Kike Salas. Miguel Sierra, meanwhile, ended Dépor's unbeaten run during the trip to A Coruña. Sevilla have conceded nine goals in seven matches, though six came in the two defeats to Atlético and Barcelona, three in each. In the other five games, they conceded only three.

Goals spread across the squad and the striker battle

Sevilla have scored ten goals distributed among nine different players, a sign of the attacking depth the team possesses. In the fight for the number nine role, Stassin is winning the battle for now, while Robbie Ure has yet to open his account. Despite the strong overall form, Sevilla have not yet shown they can control a full 90 minutes against a superior rival, a pending challenge that will also depend on squad depth.

Fofana, the market coup already delivering

Youssouf Fofana was the headline operation on deadline day. The club managed to convince both Milan and the player to accept a loan move to Nervión. Four appearances have been enough for him to settle: a goal against Barcelona, three starts and the ability to make those around him better in midfield. His impact makes him a difference-maker in the new project.

Vargas and the upcoming schedule challenges

Rubén Vargas is still struggling for continuity. Between a lack of form and frequent injuries, his return to García Plaza's plans remains uncertain, although the coach hopes to have him back after the break with caution. His departure was widely expected in the summer, but Olympiacos failed to meet Sevilla's financial demands. Now the goal is to get him back to his best and put him in the shop window again. The team faces back-to-back away games at Levante and Real Madrid after the Barcelona match before the international break.