Sevilla FC opened their 2026 pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventud Torremolinos CF in an International Club Friendly at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The match, played on July 12, 2026, gave the Andalusian side a chance to test new tactics and give minutes to fringe players against a lower-division opponent that proved stubborn in defence.

Match Overview

The friendly, scheduled at 03:00 local time, was Sevilla’s first competitive run-out under the summer sun. With the new La Liga season still a few weeks away, head coach Francisco Javier García Pimienta used the fixture to assess squad depth and integrate summer signings. Juventud Torremolinos, a Segunda División B side, showed respectable organisation and nearly held out for a draw before a late breakthrough.

Key Moment: Late Decisive Goal

After a goalless first half dominated by Sevilla possession but lacking incision, the breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute. Substitute striker Rafa Mir, who had only entered the pitch ten minutes earlier, latched onto a through ball from Óliver Torres and slotted calmly past the visiting goalkeeper. The goal was Mir’s first of the pre-season and a welcome confidence boost after a frustrating previous campaign.

Tactical Story

Sevilla controlled the ball for over 65% of the match, but Juventud Torremolinos sat deep in a compact 4-4-2 shape, denying space between the lines. The home side’s early approach relied on wide crosses from Jesús Navas and Marcos Acuña, but the visitors’ centre-backs dealt with aerial threats effectively. It was only when Pimienta introduced more direct passing through central midfield that Sevilla found a way through. The winning move came from a quick combination in the middle, bypassing the Torremolinos block.

Standout Players

• Óliver Torres (Sevilla) – The midfielder dictated play from deep and provided the assist. His passing range and vision were key in unlocking the stubborn defence.
• Rafa Mir (Sevilla) – The match-winner showed sharp movement and composure in front of goal, a positive sign for his potential role this season.
• Juventud Torremolinos defence – The entire back line, led by captain Álex Rubio, frustrated Sevilla for long periods. Their discipline and work rate were commendable despite the result.

Season Impact and Context

While a friendly result carries limited weight, the clean sheet and late goal provide early momentum for Sevilla. The club aims to improve on a mid-table La Liga finish last season, and this performance highlighted both areas of dominance and the need for sharper finishing in the final third. For Juventud Torremolinos, the narrow defeat against top-tier opposition will serve as a valuable learning experience ahead of their own league campaign.

The match also served as a warm-up for Sevilla’s upcoming pre-season tour, with friendlies against higher-profile European opponents scheduled in the following weeks. Fans will be watching closely to see if Pimienta’s tactical tweaks continue to bear fruit.