Team news
Former Real Madrid boy Jose Antonio Reyes will not play. The Spaniard is on the sideline with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Diego Perotti is in line to return to Sevilla’s starting line-up. Another piece of good news for Sevilla is that goalkeeper Diego Lopez is free to start in post after serving suspension.
Jose Mourinho has no injury concern to deal with. However, the Portuguese coach will have to build his defense without countryman Fabio Coentrao. The latter received a ban for allegedly insulting the referee during Real Madrid's defeat to Getafe.
Analysis
One player obligated to perform in the match is Cristiano Ronaldo. The €94 million signing said he was “sad” at Real Madrid because of a “professional issue”. This statement instantly provoked speculations in the media over a possible exit from the Santiago Bernabeu for Cristiano Ronaldo.
This issue remains a hot topic in the news. A match-winning performance against Sevilla will be a great way for the 27-year-old to ease up the heated atmosphere surrounding his career at Real Madrid.
There is arguably more to Sevilla vs Real Madrid than the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo. Los Blancos cannot talk about stability yet. They have won only one match so far. It has been almost two weeks since Real Madrid clinched their first La Liga win of the season. The Spanish giants’ international will be hoping to shake off fatigue after the international break and maintain the tempo high.
Last six meetings
December 19, 2010: Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (La Liga)
January 26, 2011: Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey)
February 2, 2011: Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla (Copa del Rey)
May 7, 2011: Sevilla 2-6 Real Madrid (La Liga)
December 17, 2011: Sevilla 2-6 Real Madrid (La Liga)
April 29, 2012: Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (La Liga)
Relevant facts
• Real Madrid have scored 13 goals in their last three visits to Sevilla in all competitions.
• Sevilla have lost each of their last six matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
• Real Madrid have managed four clean sheets in their last six matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
• Sevilla seat one point above Real Madrid in La Liga and are yet to concede defeat.
Prediction
The match may be tough with Real Madrid doing just enough to edge past the hosts.
Scores: Sevilla 1-2 Real Madrid
