Preview: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid at 02:00 on April 12, La Liga Round 31

Preview: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid (02:00, April 12). Prediction, expected lineup, expert analysis of the match between Sevilla and Atletico Madrid in Round 31 of the 2025/26 Spanish La Liga.

Preview: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla is sinking into its worst crisis in decades. The 0-1 loss to bottom-placed Real Oviedo in the previous round marked their third consecutive defeat, pushing the Andalusian side down to 17th place. Currently, coach Luis Garcia Plaza's squad is only 2 points clear of the relegation zone. If they fail to quickly improve their poor form (only 1 win in their last 8 matches), the specter of relegation—a first since the 1999-2000 season—will loom more clearly than ever at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

Sevilla's biggest issue is their weakness at home. They currently possess the second worst home record in La Liga this season, having earned only 16 points from 15 matches. Against a formidable opponent like Atletico Madrid—a team Sevilla has beaten only once since late 2021—the pressure on the hosts in this rematch is immense.

In stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere in Seville, Atletico Madrid is enjoying a glorious period. Their brilliant 2-0 victory at Barcelona's Camp Nou in the Champions League quarter-final first leg has virtually secured their place in the semi-finals. However, this success means La Liga is now only the third priority for "Los Rojiblancos," behind the Champions League and the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad next weekend.

With a safe 12-point gap from the 5th-placed team, Atletico faces little pressure regarding domestic league points. El Cholo is likely to implement a large-scale squad rotation to preserve key players for the return leg against Barcelona. Nevertheless, with quality substitutes like Alexander Sorloth and their inherent resilience in play, Atletico remains a challenge beyond the reach of a faltering Sevilla, even if the visitors may not play with 100% maximum determination.

Squad Status: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla: Marcao remains absent due to a knee injury. Tanguy Nianzou and Jose Angel Carmona are suspended. Cesar Azpilicueta's availability is uncertain. The only positive news is the return of key midfielder Lucien Agoume after his suspension. Chidera Ejuke and Gabriel Suazo may be given starting opportunities to refresh the wing positions.

Atletico Madrid: Koke and Nico Gonzalez are absent due to suspension. The injury list includes Jose Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios, and David Hancko. Coach Simeone is expected to bench Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, and Marcos Llorente to conserve energy. Alexander Sorloth will lead the attack.

Expected Lineup: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Sanchez, Castrin, Salas, Suazo; Gudelj, Agoume; Ejuke, Sow, Vargas; Adams.

Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Musso; Molina, Pubill, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Mendoza, Vargas; Almada, Baena, Lookman; Sorloth.

Head-to-head History and Form: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla's Form

05/04/26: Real Oviedo 1-0 Sevilla (La Liga)

22/03/26: Sevilla 0-2 Valencia (La Liga)

15/03/26: Barcelona 5-2 Sevilla (La Liga)

09/03/26: Sevilla 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

02/03/26: Betis 2-2 Sevilla (La Liga)

Atletico Madrid's Form

09/04/26: Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid (Champions League)

05/04/26: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona (La Liga)

23/03/26: Real Madrid 3-2 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)

19/03/26: Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid (Champions League)

14/03/26: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Getafe (La Liga)

Head-to-head History: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

01/11/25: Atletico Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (La Liga)

06/04/25: Sevilla 1-2 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)

09/12/24: Atletico Madrid 4-3 Sevilla (La Liga)

12/02/24: Sevilla 1-0 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)

26/01/24: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (Copa del Rey)

Prediction: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla is cornered and desperately needs points to avoid relegation, while Atletico Madrid is likely to field a secondary squad with their minds focused on European competition. This presents the best opportunity for the hosts to seek a positive result. However, given their current capabilities, it is very difficult for Sevilla to secure all 3 points against a stubborn opponent like Atletico. A draw seems the most reasonable outcome for both sides at this moment.

Predicted Score: Sevilla 1-1 Atletico Madrid