Preview: Cristiano Ronaldo and annoyed Real Madrid under the spotlight
Since defeating Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last week, Real Madrid have made more impact in the media than on the pitch. Questionable tactics by Carlo Ancelotti saw Gerardo Martino’s Barcelona claim a 2-1 win at the Camp Nou on Matchday 10 of the league.
The game produced a number of controversial moments against both teams and post-match discussions had Madrid complaining. During the game, Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo was flashed a yellow card for bitterly criticizing the referee. This week, a video of Sepp Blatter making a joke about Ronaldo went viral. The club eventually demanded an apology from the FIFA President.
The Galacticos’ wish was granted immediately after 2008 Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo posted the video on his Facebook account with a sarcastic compliment. All these off-the-pitch stories have added to the public’s interest ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture.
The club’s number 7 winger, who has been nominated among the 23-man shortlist for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or award, will inevitably be the point of focus against Sevilla. Cristiano Ronaldo is tied on eight goals in La Liga (three behind leading goalscorer Diego Costa of Atletico Madrid). How will CR7 respond on the pitch to Sepp Blatter’s opinion that Messi is more preferable while Ronaldo is like a ‘Robot Commander’?
Sevilla could suffer the consequences of this bizarre words exchange between the FIFA president and the Portugal captain. Of course, there is more to tonight’s game than this story. The visitors are only 10th in La Liga, while the hosts have fallen a huge step behind in their chase for the title by losing to leaders Barca.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Real Madrid vs Sevilla live on Wednesday, October 30, 2013:
In Canada at 17:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play Canada
In UK at 21:00 BST on: Sky Sports 2/HD, NOW TV powered by Sky, Sky Go UK
In USA at 17:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport en Español
If you live outside these three countries, consider checking the Real Madrid-Sevilla match page for full live listings. There will be live scores of this La Liga fixture on the website right from kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu.
