Sevilla FC began their 2026-27 preseason campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Segunda Federación side Juventud Torremolinos CF in an International Club Friendly played on 12 July 2026. The match, held at the Ciudad Deportiva José Ramón Cisneros Palacios in Seville, gave new head coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta his first look at his squad in competitive action, with the single goal coming early in the second half.

Match Overview

The friendly was part of Sevilla’s traditional summer buildup, allowing players to regain match fitness while integrating new signings and academy prospects. Against a lower‑tier opponent, Sevilla dominated possession but found Juventud Torremolinos’ disciplined defensive block difficult to break down in the opening 45 minutes. The Andalusian side created several half‑chances, but the score remained 0-0 at the break.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when young midfielder Juanlu Sánchez latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and slotted past the Juventud goalkeeper. The goal provided a lift for Sevilla, who thereafter controlled the tempo without extending their lead. Juventud Torremolinos offered little threat in attack, with Sevilla’s backline marshaled by experienced centre‑back Loïc Badé handling their limited forays with ease.

Key Moments

• 6’ – Sevilla’s first chance: Isaac Romero forced a sharp save from the Juventud keeper after a cut‑back from the right.
• 33’ – Juventud’s only real opportunity: a long‑range shot sailed just over the bar.
• 57’ – Goal! Juanlu Sánchez reacts quickest to a deflection inside the box and fires low into the corner. Sevilla 1‑0 Juventud Torremolinos.
• 74’ – Substitute Chidera Ejuke danced past two defenders but his shot was smothered by the goalkeeper.
• 88’ – Sevilla’s Saúl Ñíguez hit the post with a curling free‑kick from 25 yards.

Tactical Story

Pimienta set Sevilla up in a fluid 4‑3‑3, emphasizing high pressing and quick ball circulation. The team’s shape shifted to a 3‑2‑5 in possession, with full‑backs pushing high to create overloads. Against a compact Juventud side, Sevilla struggled to find penetrative passes through central areas in the first half, often resorting to crosses that were comfortably cleared. The introduction of more direct runners in the second half, including Ejuke and Juanlu, stretched the defence and eventually created the space for the goal.

Defensively, Sevilla were rarely troubled. The midfield trio of Djibril Sow, Saúl, and Lucien Agoumé provided a solid screen, while the back four remained compact. Juventud Torremolinos, playing two divisions below, focused on absorbing pressure and hitting on the break, but lacked the final‑ball quality to test Sevilla’s goalkeeper, Álex Fernández (a young academy graduate given minutes in the second half).

Standout Players

• Juanlu Sánchez – The 22‑year‑old midfielder was lively throughout and took his goal well. His movement between the lines caused problems all evening.
• Chidera Ejuke – The Nigerian winger, on loan from Antwerp, showed flashes of brilliance with his dribbling, though final product remains a work in progress.
• Loïc Badé – Composed at the heart of defence, winning every aerial duel and distributing calmly to start attacks.

Season Impact

While friendly results carry limited weight, the clean sheet and win will please Pimienta as he builds momentum ahead of the club’s La Liga opener. The team’s inability to score more than once against a lower‑league opponent highlights the need for further sharpness in front of goal, a concern that the coaching staff will aim to address in subsequent preseason matches. For Juventud Torremolinos, the performance offered a valuable test against top‑flight opposition, with the club using the fixture to prepare for their upcoming Segunda Federación campaign.

Sevilla’s next friendly is scheduled against Portuguese side Braga on 17 July, where Pimienta will likely give more minutes to his first‑choice XI.