The return of Gareth Bale highlights the visit of Real Madrid to the Sanchez Pizjuan in a very important game against Sevilla. One team is trying to catch up to La Liga leader,
Bale has been out for three games and he hasn't been missed much. His In between
Javier Hernandez could have one more shot at starting a game before Karim Benzema returns and completes the BBC trio. The Mexican striker has been hugely praised by his performance in Madrid's latest games. He has four goals and two assists in Madrid's last five games. He has also started in all of them.
The team has not
STATS against Sevilla: 14 goals in the last 4 La Liga encounters! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/055vTYZEIN
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 2, 2015
James Rodriguez is probably the most effective signing that Madrid had this past summer. The Colombian Golden Boot winner in the past World Cup has scored 12 goals this season despite missing several at the beginning of this year. In the last four
Cristiano Ronaldo would like to stop his scoring drought in a game where losing and not even a tie can be counted as an option for Los Merengues. CR7 has not scored since the game against Malaga where Madrid won 3-1 on April 18. In that game, the Portuguese striker missed a penalty kick. He has 39
The task at hand is the only worry for Ancelotti
.@MrAncelotti: “My thoughts are only to win tomorrow, it is what we are focused on”. #RMLive
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 1, 2015
Sevilla is the team responsible for having Real Madrid only two points behind Los Cules. The tied 2-2 and gave Madrid the chance to be within striking distance of Messi and company. The team managed by Unai Emery could give more breathing room to Barcelona if they are able to beat Madrid at their own house.
Last time this two teams met it was a close call for Madrid. They won 2-1 but judging by Sevilla's current form, they will not be an easy team to beat. The team has not lost a game since February 8, just one game after they faced Los Merengues. Since then, a draw or a win is what the squad has collected in their last 17 games.
Most of Sevilla's firepower comes from one man
.@carlos7bacca, 45 goals in 40 matches this campaign http://t.co/4CTqJau439 pic.twitter.com/EbavZ5L10t
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) April 30, 2015
Sevilla is the only team of the 20 in the competition that has not lost a game at home this season. After 17 games at the Sanchez Pizjuan, they have won 12 and finished with a draw in five. The streak extends to the last season on March 13, 2014 when they lost against Betis. 34 games have gone by and they haven't lost.
Team sheets for Sevilla vs Real Madrid
Sevilla's lineup: Rico, Figueiras, Carrico, Kolo, Tremoulinas; Krychowiak, Mbia, Vidal, Banega, Reyes, Bacca.
Real Madrid's lineup: Casillas, Varane, Pepe, Ramos, Ronaldo, Kroos, James, Marcelo, Chicharito, Carvajal, Isco.
Sevilla's subs: To follow.
Real Madrid's subs: Navas, Coentrao, Bale, Arbeloa, Nacho, Jesé, Illarra.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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