Sevilla suffer opening pre-season loss to Cracovia
Sevilla kicked off their 2026/27 pre-season with a setback. Luis García Plaza’s side lost 1-0 to Cracovia in a rain-soaked friendly at Henryk Reyman Stadium, where poor weather and defensive errors cost the visitors.
What happened in the friendly?
The match began with Sevilla trying to build from the back, but lacked the pace to turn possession into clear chances. The first real threat came in the third minute, when Juan Iglesias crossed from the right and Isaac Romero headed high. Miguel Sierra, ever busy, forced a smart save from Madejski with a low cross.
Cracovia grew into the game and, in the 29th minute, Arouna Sangante pulled off a stunning overhead clearance to deny Zahiroleslam. But one minute later, the hosts took the lead. Ajdin Hasić slotted home after a quick free-kick routine beat Sevilla’s defense, firing a left-footed effort past Vlachodimos.
Before the break, Sevilla had two clear chances to level. Miguel Sierra’s free-kick (36’) was headed over by Kike Salas, and four minutes later, Sierra’s long-range effort rattled the post. Sangante was again crucial, clearing Minchev’s follow-up off the line.
Rain and errors decide the match
Torrential rain and wind made the pitch unplayable, wrecking Sevilla’s plan to play out from the back. Juan Iglesias fired wide, while Suazo forced a save from Madejski. Kike Salas blocked another dangerous header before Oso was sent off in the 84th minute for throwing the ball at the assistant.
In the 89th minute, Jesús Cruz headed dangerously, but Chrapusta tipped the ball over the bar to preserve the win. Alberto Flores denied a second goal after Glik’s effort, and Ibra Sow tipped another shot over in stoppage time.
Line-ups and key absences
Sevilla lined up with Juan Iglesias, Arouna Sangante and Jon Guridi in defense, alongside youngsters Miguel Sierra and Manuel Ángel in midfield. Up front, Isaac Romero led the line, though the side lacked the continuity needed on the waterlogged pitch.
Notable absentees included Fábio Cardoso, Juanlu Sánchez (quadriceps injury), Federico Gattoni and Marcão (muscle issues), as well as Joan Jordán and Djibril Sow, who were on holiday. Also missing were Andrés Carrión (groin strain), Alfonso González (quadriceps injury), Akor Adams and Rafa Mir.
