Match Preview

After facing elimination against Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this week, Real Madrid turn their attention towards the La Liga title race.

Atletico and Barcelona already drew and dropped points in their match on Saturday. A win would see Real tie Atletico on points for the top spot in the league table.

It won’t be easy as Sevilla are playing very well in their own right. Prior to last week’s loss against Athletic, Sevilla had won their last five matches and had not lost in their last eight league matches. They currently sit fourth trailing Real by four points.

These two clubs faced off at the Pizjuan in a 1-0 win for Real Madrid in December. Both clubs have steadily improved since then to grab two spots in the top four of the league standings.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid will once again be without Sergio Ramos and Ferland Mendy after the pair started against Chelsea. Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal remain out for the season. Raphael Varane remains out of the squad as well.

Sevilla have a healthy squad as they head into Sunday’s big match.

There are no suspensions listed for either club.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Hazard, Benzema

With both Ramos and Mendy out again, Nacho and Marcelo will most likely slide into their positions. Alvaro Odriozola will likely get the start at right back to replace Carvajal.

It will be interesting to see who Zidane starts in the attack. Eden Hazard did not have a good showing against his former Chelsea but he could still get the start. This would mean Marco Asensio likely starts on the right unless Vinicius plays on his off-wing.

Sevilla

Bounou; Navas, Kounde, Carlos, Acuna; Rakitic, Fernando, Gomez; Suso, Ocampos, En-Nesyri

Prediction

Real Madrid—Sevilla 2-1

This is a very important match for both sides as they seek to advance amongst the top four spots. A win for Sevilla would put them just a point out from Real Madrid and the third spot.

This is much more important match for Los Blancos, however, as a win puts them level with Atletico Madrid. It would certainly intensify the title race with three matches left in the season after to decide a champion.

Sevilla are a formidable opponent who have been playing great football under former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui. Aside from last week’s loss, they had been playing flawless football as of recent.

Given all the injuries to the squad this season, its impressive Real Madrid are even in this position to still have a shot at the league title. Now they must capitalize on Atletico and Barcelona’s draw if they hope to make the unlikely a possibility.