Photo via BBC Sport

Why Aston Villa are playing Sevilla for a trophy you haven't heard of

Aston Villa heads to Spain to face Sevilla on Friday evening for the annual Antonio Puerta Trophy, a commemorative fixture established in memory of the former player who tragically passed away following a cardiac arrest in 2007. Unai Emery will bring his squad to a familiar venue where he previously secured three consecutive Europa League titles, while the English visitors make history as the first club from their nation to participate in the fifteen-year-old event.

Sevilla has historically dominated the fixture with twelve victories, though international challengers have begun featuring regularly in recent years. In team news, Leon Goretzka, Brian Madjo, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis are all positioned for potential pitch time following their respective recovery periods.

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