Real Madrid will finally be able to play their postponed match against Sevilla for La Liga's first round on Wednesday. The game was supposed to be played in December, but Real Madrid's Club World Cup agenda forced the league's governing body to change the date for what promises to be an exciting match between the latest UEFA Super Cup contestants. During that game, Ancelotti's men came up with a 2-0 victory.
Real Madrid will be playing their second straight game without superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be available for next weekend's matchup against Atletico. Last Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti's men came from behind to defeat Real Sociedad, who went ahead with an early goal. Madrid's Italian boss referred to his team's miscalculations, which have cost them early goals against Atletico and the referred Txuri Urdin. Added to his insight on Real Madrid's early-game mishaps, Ancelotti praised their upcoming rivals.
"I think it's just a matter of what attitude we have when the games start. We have worked with the players so they are more concentrated when the matches begin so we don't end up struggling. Sevilla is a team that will always be trying to hurt you with several players, and it will be a risky match for us if we don't go out there and play our best. They are a team that I like to watch, and so far their season has been great," Ancelotti said.
On the other hand, Sevilla will risk their fourth spot in La Liga's standings when they visit Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where they haven't been able to win since the year 2008. This time, Unai Emery's men will try to make things go their way, but always being conscious of how high the stakes will be if they grow too confident against Los Blancos.
"Visiting Santiago Bernabeu stadium is always a challenge, it brings out the best of you, and my players share that feeling with me. We want to show what we can do, because we want people to consider us serious contenders. Of course that we are aware of how hard it will be to scratch one point off from their turf, but we can't lose hope before the game starts, anything can happen and we will work to get three points," Emery added.
If Real Madrid manage to earn three more points, Los Blancos will have a four-point lead over second place Barcelona, prior to their visit to Vicente Calderon Stadium, where they will be facing Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla team sheets
Real Madrid's Starting XI: Casillas Varane, Ramos, Khedira, Kroos, Benzema, James, Bale, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Isco.
Sevilla's Starting XI: Beto, D. Figueiras, Carriço, Kolo, F. Navarro, Krychowiak, Iborra, Mbia, Deulofeu, Vitolo, Bacca.
Real Madrid's bench: Navas, Chicharito, Carvajal, Lucas Silva, Nacho, Jesé, Illarra.
Sevilla's bench: Muñoz, Aspas, Suarez, Vidal, Coke, Arribas, Rico.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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