MADRID, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Sevilla on Tuesday appointed Luis Garcia Plaza as its new first-team coach on a contract running until the end of June 2027.

Garcia Plaza replaces Matias Almeyda, who was sacked by the club on Monday after a 2-0 home defeat to Valencia left Sevilla 15th in La Liga with 31 points from 29 matches, just three points above the relegation zone.

The 53-year-old has extensive experience in La Liga, having previously coached Levante, Getafe, Villarreal, Mallorca and Alaves, which dismissed him last season despite the club not being in the relegation zone.

During his career, he has led Levante, Mallorca and Alaves to promotion. He has also worked with Beijing Renhe in China and Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia.

His first match as Sevilla coach will be away to Oviedo on April 5, before hosting Atletico Madrid the following week. ■