Preview
Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga, with the league leaders set to take to the field on Sunday just days after an unforgettable UEFA Champions League showdown with Chelsea. Unfortunately, things do not get easier for Ancelotti's men as they will face none other than Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
As mentioned earlier, Los Merengues enter this tie on the back of their recent UEFA Champions League victory. While Benzema and Co. were unable to beat Chelsea on Tuesday, losing 3-2 instead, that result was enough to guarantee them a spot in the semifinals of Europe's elite club tournament.
However, the Spanish giants came achingly close to crashing out of the competition. Real Madrid conceded after only 15 minutes, with Mason Mount netting past Thibaut Courtois. Come the 51st minute, Antonio Rudiger pulled the aggregate score line level after scoring a header, and in the 75th minute, Ancelotti's men conceded for a third time, this time via Timo Werner, and were headed for an exit.
Fortunately, a brilliant assist from Luka Modric helped Los Blancos force extra time, with Benzema later scoring to send the London giants packing. However, that result did not come without sacrifice as a few players picked up knocks, namely Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr.
Additionally, the visitors' form has been lovely recently. Besides the pointless loss to Chelsea and a shock 4-0 defeat versus Barcelona in El Clasico, Real Madrid have won every other game in their last 10 outings. As a result, they boast a huge 12-point lead at the top over closest rivals Barcelona, but have played a game extra.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Sevilla, a club who not too long ago looked like a serious challenger to Real Madrid's La Liga claim. Lopetegui's men boast only three wins from their last 10 games across all competitions, and unsurprisingly, the hosts have since fallen down the table.
Kounde and Co. are currently level on points with second-placed Barcelona but behind on goal difference. However, the third-placed side have played a game extra in comparison to the Blaugrana, meaning this gap could widen. Additionally, Atletico Madrid are not far behind in fourth, trailing by only three points.
While Sevilla enter this tie on the back of a 4-2 victory over Granada, two of their last four games have ended in defeats, including a disappointing UEFA Europa League exit at the hands of West Ham. Nonetheless, the hosts still boast the best defense in the league and with Real Madrid having played 120 minutes of intense football on Tuesday, Sevillistas Los Rojiblancos will fancy their odds of keeping the visitors at bay.
Team news
Sevilla: Karim Rekik, Fernando and Suso will once again miss out on this tie due to their respective injuries. Additionally, this fixture comes a bit too soon for Thomas Delaney. Rafa Mir, who impressed as a sub in Sevilla's recent game, will be hoping for a start this time around.
Real Madrid: Casemiro is suspended for this tie while Marcelo, Ferland Mendy and Eden Hazard are all injured. Benzema and Vinicius Jr. both picked up issues in the grueling showdown with Chelsea but the pair appear to have recovered from those knocks.
Key stats
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Real Madrid have won 11 of their 15 away games this season, the best away record by any club in La Liga this term.
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However, Sevilla are unbeaten at home this season, having picked up 37 points from their 15 games they've played at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium so far.
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The home side are winless in their last six encounters with Los Blancos.
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Ancelotti's men have won their last two trips to Sevilla in La Liga without conceding a goal.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
