Real Madrid vs Sevillla: Match preview

Action returns to the Santiago Bernabeu for the last time this year as Real Madrid lock horns against Sevilla in match day 18 of La Liga.

Barring Vinicius Junior – who is suspended for this fixture – the entire squad is at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal with Ferland Mendy also returning from injury.

The defence put up a solid performance in the last match against Pachuca and each of them are expected to keep their place in tonight’s lineup.

Aurelien Tchouaméni would be relieved with his outing in particular as question marks grew of his selection over the young talent of Raul Asencio.

The midfield did not put a foot wrong although Eduardo Camavinga had a relatively quiet game and was beaten with ease by the Pachuca midfielders so the Frenchman would be eager to put in a much better performance against Sevilla.

Jude Bellingham has truly been one of the best midfielders of the season so far despite him carrying a possible niggle in the past few games. The Englishman is certain to play an important part for Los Blancos to end a successful year on a winning note.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo are two players who have begun to be consistent and Carlo Ancelotti would hope that the duo continue to do so, especially in this match in Vinicius’ absence.

Brahim Díaz continues to impress everyone and may be a partner up with the duo above. Although, a start for Turk sensation Arda Güler is not ruled out following his strong displays in La Liga.

Real Madrid’s opponents, Sevilla are lurking in the middle of the table, sitting at the 12th position with 6 wins and 7 draws in 17 matches. On the attacking front, they have scored just 18 goals in La Liga, averaging just a goal per match.

Out of those 18 goals, 7 have been scored by Belgian striker Dodi Lukebakio. The striker has had an overall xG (expected goal ratio) of 5.06. To put it into perceptive, the player with the second highest xG is Isaac Romero (2.34) – this goes on to show how heavily reliant Sevilla are on Lukebakio.

Former Atletico Madrid centre-mid, Saul Niguez has been the architect in the midfield, recording three assists, followed by Kike Salas and Isaac Romero with two each.

Their defence has been somewhere in between, conceding 23 goals. A goal difference of -5 is not what Sevilla would want and they would have to be at their utmost best to secure a victory or even a draw at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have a chance to push Barcelona down to 3rd in the table with a victory tonight, following the Blaugrana’s loss last night against Atletico Madrid.

The La Liga title race by no means is settled up till now. But halfway through the season, both the Madrid sides would feel confident of having a chance at the title.

But first, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have to focus on Sevilla and get the three points by any means necessary. The Bernabeu faithful will surely be expecting fireworks tonight.