Crystal Palace’s pre-season tour of the United States continues with an exciting friendly against seven-time UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla this weekend – so before kick-off, it’s time to get the lowdown on our opponents…
The match, which kicks off at Detroit's Comerica Park on Sunday, July 29th (19:00 EDT local time/Mon 00:00 BST UK time), sees Palace contest the Motor City Cup as they step up preparations towards the 23/24 Premier League campaign.
Remember, the only way you can watch every minute of Palace’s pre-season action is by subscribing to Palace TV+, which you can do from just £9.99 by clicking HERE.
Formed in 1890 – making them Spain’s oldest sporting club with a sole focus on football – Sevilla were initially led by a Brit: Scottish born Edward Johnston to be specific.
Their success was not immediate, but a sole league title in 1945/46 pales in comparison to their European record, winning seven UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues, more than any other club. Their most recent came this season, beating Manchester United and Juventus en route to the final where they dispatched Jose Mourinho’s Roma in Budapest.
Their record appearance maker is a familiar name for English football fans. Jesus Navas played more than 100 times for Manchester City in between long spells with his boyhood club, and played 650 games in total in southern Spain.
Another former Premier League forward to make his mark in Seville is Frederic Kanouté, who scored 136 times for Sevilla. Croatian legend Davor Suker and former Man City marksman Alvaro Negredo are also among their record scorers.
Sevilla enjoyed a turbulent 2022/23 season, winning the Europa League but struggling domestically, finishing 12th after avoiding a tense relegation battle. Manager Jose Luis Medilibar took over in March to fantastic effect, while star player Youssef En-Nesyri’s 18 goals fired them to glory.
A place in next season’s Champions League awaits them as Europa League winners.
