FIFA Intercontinental Cup winners Real Madrid will return to La Liga action with a clash against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December.
With leaders Barcelona hosting second-placed Atletico Madrid on Saturday, third-placed Real Madrid could have the opportunity to climb to the top of the rankings with a victory over Sevilla.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Preview
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid have enjoyed a remarkable 2024. They have won five trophies since January — Supercopa de Espana, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and, finally, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. They will look to close the year on a winning note by pulling one over Sevilla.
Despite having the best squad in La Liga, Real Madrid have not exactly been a dominant force. Playing 17 matches, they have won 11, drawn four, and lost two, picking up a total of 37 points. In their last five league outings, Madrid have won three, drawn one, and lost one. Rayo Vallecano denied them a victory on Matchday 17, holding them to a 3-3 draw.
Sevilla
In the 21st century, Sevilla have consistently been in the mix for a top-four finish in La Liga. However, that has not been the case this season. The Andalusian outfit have been all over the place in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up just 22 points from 17 games and are toiling in 11th place in the La Liga rankings.
In their last five league outings, Sevilla have won two, drawn one, and lost two. On Matchday 16, Sevilla claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Team News, Potential XI, and Head-to-Head
Real Madrid
Dani Carvajal (ACL) and Eder Militao (ACL) are out for the season whereas Ferland Mendy (muscle) and David Alaba (knee) are still a couple of weeks away from returning to action. Jude Bellingham is also a major doubt for Los Merengues whereas Vinicius Jr. is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Potential XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia; Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde; Diaz, Mbappe, Rodrygo
Sevilla
Sevilla’s travelling party will be without Adria Pedrosa (muscle), Chidera Ejuke (hamstring) and Tanguy Nianzou (thigh). Their coach Garcia Pimienta could rely on the same XI that beat Celta Vigo.
Potential XI: Fernandez; Montiel, Bade, Gudelj, Salas; Bueno, Agoume, Niguez; Navas, Iheanacho, Lukebakio
Head-to-Head
Madrid and Sevilla have crossed paths 190 times in all competitions. Madrid have won 104 times, Sevilla 54, and 32 games have ended all square.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Prediction
Real Madrid have been quite strong at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this season, and we expect them to bag another win this weekend.
Our prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Sevilla
