La Liga Rundown - Sevilla

• City: Sevilla
• Province: Andalucia
• Founded: 1/25/1890
• Stadium: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán
• Years in La Liga: 79
• Champions: 1
• Runner Ups: 4
• Nickname: Palanganas

There isn't much more that encapsulates what folks believe Sevilla FC stands for, than what folks consider the best Spanish Futbol Club Anthem, as the Sanchez Pizjuan will sing in unison before every match, when they scream with fervor, "Mi SEVILLA, SEVILLA, SEVILLA...Sevillista seré hasta la muerte". 

In the quickest summary, Sevilla is one of the most respected clubs in all of Europe, and by far none, the greatest Andalusian club in Spain. They have won a La Liga title, are the record holder being a six time Europa League champion (2006, 2007, 2014-2016, and 2020), five Copa del Reys, one Spanish Super Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup. 

For Sevilla, the best way to get right into their history is splitting it by eras via Civil War Foundations, 21st Century Successes, and Unai and Post Unai Emery era. But before we dive into that, we think it is important to explain why they are known as the Palanganas. A palangana first is a hand wash basin (basically resembles a bowl). It is said, because Sevilla signed a youth player from a working family (and not of "noble capital descent"), that it caused an internal war for directors, which caused some directors to leave. It is said that those directors that left, also left a note with this palangana (or wash basin) that basically read, "we bid you farewell and leave this basin...to collect your shedded tears; not for your failures, but our future successes". You have to appreciate the irony, because much of Sevilla's successes, historically, comes from working class youth.

Civil War Foundations
Amongst Spain's years of tension, division, and just political unrest, it was actually in 1933-34 season that Sevilla FC was promoted to the first division, in which they established themselves as stalwarts of La Liga. It wasn't until also the last day of the season of 1935-36 that Sevilla barely avoided relegation, and then the next three years, the country entered the Spanish Civil War and La Liga stopped for a few years. It is said of sixty-six friendly that was played between 1936 and 1938, that they won 55 of 66 friendlies, and began purchasing the land which will soon hold the famous Sanches Pizjuan. 

21st Century Successes came with Tragedy

It was early in the 21st century that we began to see the rise and respect of Sevilla in European futbol/football. Let's make sure we call out the great sporting director Monchi, as he has been absolutely vital Sevilla success (since he has been named sporting director in 2002). It is Monchi who called up Sergio Ramos to make his debut in 2004-2005, and then sold him to Real Madrid, for $27M euros (which at that time was a record for a Spanish defender).

​In 2006 they won their first every Europa League title and then followed that by winning their first ever UEFA Super Cup - beating the Champion League winners of Barcelona 3-0. Which was followed by a second consecutive Europa League win in 2007, the same year that they also won the Copa Del Rey title and finishing third in La Liga (buying them a Champions League birth). They also won the 2007 Super Cup and unfortunately, on the run up to the 2007 UEFA Super Cup, Antonio Puerta Sevilla stalwart defender suffered a heart attack, and passed three days after the first game and three days before the Super Cup final. Sevilla their second ever IFFHS recognition for team of the year (back to back awards). In 2008, Sevilla sold their club legend Dani Alves to Barcelona, but continued to qualify for consecutive Champions League with the likes of Jesus Navas playing for the club. 

Unai Emery Years
Unai Emery Sevilla years is from 2013-2016. During his era, the club went through a personal financial crisis which forced them to sell key stars in Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo. And to continue adding on to sales, Sevilla throughout the era had to sell Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca. But what is mostly highlighted in Unai Emery years is a classic way of playing which had established patterns of play, all while doing it with financial austerity. But even with said austerity, they were able to win three consecutive Europa League finals and become the most decorated club in that competition. It also was the final years of Monchi's first stint in Sevilla FC. 

Post Unai Emery Years
The post Unai Emery years can become the Julen Lopetegui era and the return of Monchi. In 2020, they became a six time Europa League winner and since Lopetegui has been announced club manager and Monchi's return in 2019, they have qualified for Champions league for three consecutive years (finished fourth in La Liga from 2019-2020 to 2021-2022). 

Final Word: 
There is still a lot of meat to tell in this story. And there is still a lot of future for this club. But as they also have a rich history, what we will always hear is that famous anthem, "Sevilla, Sevilla, Sevilla"!