MU Shorts
What to expect from Sevilla vs Real Madrid
After a gruelling UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Chelsea, Real Madrid get ready for another difficult game this weekend as they take on Sevilla in La Liga.
The Merengues were pushed to the brink by Chelsea in the midweek European encounter and needed extra time to secure safe passage through to the semi-finals, although they did lose on the night and managed to progress based on the aggregate scoreline.
A trip to Seville is never an easy proposition for any team. And, things will only get more difficult for Carlo Ancelotti & co. after their midweek exertions.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are the most resilient defensive unit in Spain, having conceded just 22 goals in 31 La Liga games this term – the best record by any team in the competition.
At one point, Los Nervionenses had emerged as a strong challenger for Real Madrid in the title race, although their bid for the La Liga crown has somewhat faded of late in light of a series of drawn games.
But with seven games left to be played and 12 points separating them from the Merengues, Lopetegui’s side are still within a mathematical chance of winning the title. Considering how the ex-Real Madrid boss has built his team, Sevilla will go down fighting until the last minute.
For Ancelotti and his troops, the situation is pretty much straightforward – do not slip up in the next few league games and the La Liga title is theirs. However, that will be easier said than done.
Sevilla had given Real Madrid a tough fight in the reverse fixture, which Los Blancos won courtesy of a late moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior. And things will be anything but easier at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday night.
As iterated earlier, the Andalusians have forged an identity for themselves as a robust and disciplined unit that can be hard to break down. Their plan will be to keep the in-form Karim Benzema isolated at the top by cutting out all the passing avenues leading to him.
The veteran striker’s battle against Jules Kounde, a target for Real Madrid, will be one to watch out for. At the same time, how Vinicius Junior fares against the wily Jesus Navas could also be a major deciding factor.
Goals have been an issue for Sevilla of late. But they will fancy their chances against Real Madrid after Chelsea showed that they can be opened up.
The left-back, in particular, could be targeted, with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo both injured. With the dangerous Lucas Ocampos available at Lopetegui’s disposal, the ex-Real Madrid boss could instruct the Argentine to take on Nacho, who might struggle to match his pace.
All factors considered, it could be a tightly-contested fixture, especially factoring in the fatigue after Real Madrid’s 120-minute excursion against Chelsea. A victory, though, would take Ancelotti and his troops another step closer to the La Liga crown.
Real Madrid will begin their quest for their 15th European crown as they start the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season against Union Berlin in Group C tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have made a solid start to the season, winning five in five in La Liga, although they have not always been convincing victories.
But Los Blancos have found a way to collect maximum points from difficult situations and will be eager to carry forward that form and momentum into Europe’s premier club competition.
Leading up to the game, Real Madrid have greeted both good and bad news on the injury front. Ferland Mendy is back in the squad for the match, which comes in as a big positive, while both Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are closing in on a return.
However, onto bad news, in-form right-back Dani Carvajal picked up an injury and has been ruled out of the contest, and could potentially miss the derby against Atletico Madrid later this week.
With less than 12 hours left before kickoff, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against the German opposition, who are debuting in the UEFA Champions League.
Starters
With no Thibaut Courtois in the mix, on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appears to be the preferred choice in goal ahead of Andriy Lunin. As such, the Spaniard should keep his place between the sticks tonight for Real Madrid against Union Berlin.
Dani Carvajal’s absence will see Lucas Vazquez start at right-back, as was confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti during his press conference. Meanwhile, Fran Garcia should make his UCL debut, slotting in at left-back despite the availability of Ferland Mendy.
At the heart of the defence, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will change the pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, with captain Nacho Fernandez once again featuring off the bench.
As has been the case throughout this season, it is the midfield department that Ancelotti will have some major decisions to make.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been in fine form as the defensive midfielder this campaign, but the Frenchman could be rested tonight, with his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga. starting as the lone pivot.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who was on target against Real Sociedad over the weekend, should continue as one of the interiors, even though he recently revealed that he has been playing with an injured arm.
Luka Modric should make his second start of the season for Los Blancos, replacing fellow veteran Toni Kroos in the starting XI. Jude Bellingham will occupy the tip of the midfield diamond for Los Blancos.
As has been the case during Vinicius Jr’s absence, Rodrygo Goes and in-form forward Joselu will form the strike partnership up top.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alabal, Garcia, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Joselu.
Substitutes
Toni Kroos is certain to come on at some point in the second period to help Real Madrid provide control in the game. Fellow veteran Nacho Fernandez is also likely to be called upon to relieve one of the defenders.
Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy could make their first appearances of the season after their injury layoffs, while Brahim Diaz is also expected to get some minutes.
