Sevilla’s 2025 revival in La Liga is fueled by smart tactical shifts. Explore how changes in formation, pressing, and player roles reshaped their football identity and results.

Sevilla’s Revival: Tactical Shifts That Work

Once synonymous with Europa League dominance and fierce competitiveness in La Liga, Sevilla FC found themselves grappling with inconsistency and identity crises over the past couple of seasons. However, in the 2024/25 campaign, the Andalusian side is scripting a powerful comeback. At the heart of this resurgence lies not a marquee signing or sudden financial windfall, but rather a deliberate and insightful tactical transformation.

This article dives deep into the key tactical shifts that have fueled Sevilla’s revival, examines the roles of critical players, and assesses the club’s renewed ambitions — both domestically and in Europe. It’s a story of evolution, not revolution — and one every PG Soft fan should pay attention to.

⚽ A Team in Transition: Sevilla’s Recent Struggles

Sevilla entered the 2020s on a high, but by 2023 the club was in turmoil. Inconsistent results, managerial instability, and a lack of cohesion saw them drop from the European elite to mid-table obscurity.

Their famed defensive solidity had crumbled. The attacking verve that once defined them had dulled. Their identity, so meticulously built under the likes of Unai Emery and Julen Lopetegui, was in question.

But under the guidance of new management and a refocused football philosophy, Sevilla have once again found clarity and confidence — backed by tactical tweaks that are both subtle and significant.

🧠 Tactical Shifts: The Pillars of Sevilla’s Revival

1. From Possession-Based to Vertical Football

While previous Sevilla sides aimed to dominate possession, the 2025 version under manager José Luis Mendilibar or his successor has embraced direct, vertical play. Transition is now the focus, with the ball moving quickly through the thirds to exploit spaces.

• Fewer back passes, more progressive ball movement.
• A midfield that breaks lines, not just circulates possession.
• Fast breaks becoming a key attacking outlet.

2. Pressing with Purpose

The press has returned — but smarter.

• Sevilla now press high in waves, targeting specific opposition players rather than pressing blindly.
• The midfield triangle closes central channels, while full-backs push to compress space.
• This approach has increased turnovers in dangerous zones, allowing Sevilla to create chances from chaos.

3. Back Three in Transition

A tactical tweak that’s worked wonders is the flexible use of a 3-4-2-1 formation, especially in games against stronger opponents.

• The third centre-back (often Nemanja Gudelj or Marcão) provides extra cover.
• Wing-backs like Marcos Acuña and Jesus Navas are given license to bomb forward.
• Allows the midfield to stay compact while still covering wide areas.

This gives Sevilla both defensive stability and attacking width, a balance they had sorely lacked.

🌟 Key Players in the Tactical Revival

Youssef En-Nesyri – The Relentless Forward

En-Nesyri has found form again, feeding off the quick service and vertical balls into space. His movement behind the lines complements Sevilla’s fast transitions perfectly.

Isco – The Creative Brain

After rediscovering his spark, Isco has become the creative heartbeat. Operating in the half-spaces, his ability to thread passes and unlock defenses has made him irreplaceable.

Loïc Badé – Defensive Rock

The French centre-back has matured into a leader at the back, commanding the line and initiating build-up play.

Lucas Ocampos – Tactical Wildcard

His versatility allows him to play wide or inside, providing tactical fluidity and relentless energy.

🧑‍💼 Managerial Influence: Trusting the System

The managerial leadership at Sevilla has embraced:

• Consistency in approach, regardless of opponent.
• Youth integration with a clear development pathway.
• Accountability within the squad—no player is undroppable, and every role is defined.

This clarity has translated into on-field cohesion, a vital ingredient in their recent form.

🔄 Squad Rotation and Depth

One of Sevilla’s underrated weapons this season has been depth. Whether it’s through smart summer signings or reintegrating loanees, the squad has more flexibility:

• Joan Jordán and Fernando rotate seamlessly in midfield.
• Wide positions are reinforced with options like Lamela, Óscar Rodríguez, and Suso.
• Even in goal, Sevilla have stability through Marko Dmitrović and Orjan Nyland.

With five substitutes per game now the norm, Sevilla’s bench strength ensures they can sustain intensity for 90 minutes.

🏆 European Ambitions Rekindled

Sevilla are not just back in the top half of La Liga; they’re competing for Champions League qualification again. The new tactical identity has made them a formidable side against both possession-based teams and those that sit deep.

In Europe, their knockout pedigree remains intact. With this tactical clarity and a hungry squad, Sevilla are once again a club that no one wants to face in a two-legged tie.

📈 Statistical Indicators of Revival

Let’s back the narrative with some numbers:

These improvements reflect more than just luck — they represent a genuine tactical evolution.

🔮 What Lies Ahead?

Sevilla’s journey is far from complete. But their current trajectory suggests:

• A top-four finish is within reach.
• Deep runs in the Copa del Rey and possibly the Europa League.
• Growing belief in a long-term project built on sustainability, smart football, and tactical identity.

If they can maintain their current momentum and build in the summer, Sevilla could re-establish themselves as Spain’s most dangerous dark horse.

📣 Support Sevilla, Support Smart Football

In a footballing era obsessed with financial muscle and superstar signings, Sevilla’s revival is a powerful reminder of what smart management, tactical innovation, and teamwork can achieve.

Let’s keep celebrating the essence of the game — where strategy beats size, and heart beats hype.

Back the beautiful game. Support tactical evolution. Support football.