World Guinness Record Judge Anna Offord was one of the most followed people by the Spanish sports media last week. Mrs. Offord traveled to Seville to recognize the city’s top soccer team with two World Guinness Records for winning the Europe League five times and also for doing it three times in a row.

But Sevilla also had a brilliant week on the field. Saturday, Andalusia’s squad won at Leganes, 3-2. This was Sevilla’s first road victory in the Spanish League since the last game of the 2014-2015 season. The star player was midfielder Pablo Sarabia, who was signed from Getafe last summer. Sarabia has become a key man in his new team’s offensive system. Despite losing genius manager Unai Emery at the end of last season, Sevilla currently ranks third in the league, one place ahead of Barcelona.

Many people are responsible for the club’s late success. But there is no doubt the leading executive for Sevilla is Director of Soccer Ramon Rodriguez, “Monchi”. The former backup goalkeeper clearly has more success in the offices than on the field. “Monchi” has turned into the most desired executive in Spanish soccer, but he remains loyal to his club, focused in his commitment to keep Sevilla amongst Europe’s elite teams.  

“Monchi” is a great negotiator. He acquires players at low costs and later transfers them to top continental clubs at stratospheric prices. Meaningful examples include the selling of Brazilian right defender Dani Alves to Barcelona, the transfer of Colombian striker Carlos Baca to Milan and the recent selling of Polish defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak to Paris Saint Germain… Sevilla even got some money when Emery moved to France to manage PSG. Then “Monchi” made another brilliant move, signing prestigious Argentinean coach Jorge Sampaoli to replace Emery.

The Andalusian club has also made profits of players formed in Sevilla’s own development system. The best example is Sergio Ramos. Before turning in Real Madrid into one of the best center backs in the game, Ramos started playing professionally with Sevilla. Other cases include midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes, who was signed by Arsenal and winger Jesus Navas, who also moved to the Premier League with Manchester City.

Sevilla’s run should be analyzed by sports organizations, but could also become a case study for business schools. Drawing a plan, knowing where you are heading and executing it is key to be successful in anything you want to embrace in life.

We do not know how this close Spanish League will finish this season. We do not how Sevilla will match up with all powerhouses that play the Champions League, either. But we do know that the Andalusian squad is moving in the right direction and that in today’s sports world is as big as breaking two World Guinness Records.