Real Madrid vs Sevilla preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

With Barcelona holding a four-point advantage at the summit, Los Blancos know there is little room for further mistakes.

Real Madrid come into this after back-to-back one-goal wins across league and cup competitions, easing pressure on Xabi Alonso. 

Those narrow victories have steadied the ship, but Madrid’s position in the La Liga title race remains precarious as they begin the round trailing Barcelona by four points.

Home form has become a concern. Madrid have lost their last two matches at the Bernabéeu, falling to Celta Vigo in the league and Manchester City in Europe. 

A third straight home defeat would be uncharted territory in domestic competition, with their last instance of consecutive home league losses dating back to March 2019.

Still, confidence should not be entirely absent. The defeat to Celta brought an end to a remarkable run of ten consecutive league victories at home, and Madrid’s long-term dominance at the Bernabéu suggests they have the tools to respond. 

With the title race tightening, Alonso will be demanding a sharper, more authoritative display.

Sevilla arrive in the capital with mixed form but renewed belief. A frustrating late equaliser conceded against Valencia last time out on the road extended their winless away league run to four matches (D1, L3). 

However, they bounced back emphatically with a 4-0 demolition of Real Oviedo last weekend.

That result leaves Sevilla ninth, comfortably clear of relegation danger while still within touching distance of the European places. 

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The Bernabeu has long been an unforgiving venue for Sevilla. Madrid have not lost a home league meeting against them since December 2008, recording 17 wins and one draw in that span.

Across all venues, Los Blancos are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings between the sides (W11, D2), underlining their historical dominance in this fixture.

Defensively, Madrid remain stretched, with Dani Carvajal (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militão (hamstring), Alvaro Carreras (suspended) and Endrick (suspended) all unavailable.

Brahim Diaz is absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, while several players will be assessed late on, including Raul Asencio (illness), Eduardo Camavinga (ankle), David Alaba (muscle), Antonio Rudiger (overload), Federico Valverde (overload) and Ferland Mendy (muscle).

Sevilla are also heavily affected by absences, with Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke away at AFCON.

Ruben Vargas (thigh), Adnan Januzaj (thigh), Tanguy Nianzou (hamstring) and Gabriel Suazo (muscle) are ruled out.

Kike Salas (groin), Marcao (knee), Cesar Azpilicueta (thigh) and Orjan Nyland (muscle) remain doubts.

Isaac Romero returns from suspension and is expected to feature, potentially alongside Alexis Sanchez in attack.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Guler, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinícius Jr

Sevilla: Vlachodimos; Carmona, Cardoso, Gudelj, Castrin, Oso; Agoume, Sow, Mendy; Romero, A. Snchez

Madrid’s injury list is extensive, but their home record against Sevilla and the urgency of the title race should sharpen focus.

Sevilla are capable of causing problems on the counter, yet the hosts’ attacking quality may prove decisive if they control the tempo.

Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Sevilla

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Betting tips:

Real Madrid to win

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals