This Sunday, Real Madrid is all set to host Sevilla at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, aiming to leapfrog their arch-rivals Barcelona and secure second place in La Liga. With only one point separating them from the top position and after their recent triumphs, including the Intercontinental Cup title, Carlo Ancelotti's squad is highly motivated for this match.
After returning from Qatar, where they clinched the Intercontinental Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Pachuca, the team has resumed full training. Despite the successful outing, the squad will play this match without one of its star players, Vinicius Jr., who is suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards this season.
Vinicius' absence raises questions about how the team will adjust their attack. Throughout the season, he has been pivotal, scoring key goals and proving to be one of their most dangerous players. His spot on the left flank is expected to be taken over by Kylian Mbappé, who is eager to make his mark and support Brahim Diaz as the central striker. Ancelotti’s lineup underwent minor shifts to address the suspension, but the depth of the squad remains one of its strong points.
Training sessions have been intensive following the Christmas break, emphasizing coordination, ball control, and pressing tactics. Recent performances suggest the squad is hitting its stride just when it matters most, as indicated by strong defensive play from veterans like Thibaut Courtois, who put on a stellar show against Pachuca.
The club's backline remains stable, with noticeable chemistry between defenders Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, bolstered by Lucas Vazquez on the right and Fran Garcia on the left. Mendy appears likely to return after injuries sidelined him for several matches.
The match will have significant ramifications for La Liga standings. Currently, Real Madrid sits third with 37 points after 17 matches, strengthening their position as Sevilla continues to struggle this season. Their recent poor form could play right to Madrid's hands, giving them the opportunity to capitalize on any weakness.
Against Sevilla, Madrid needs not just to win but to showcase the cohesion and strategy they've developed this season. Each three points becomes more and more pressing as the league reaches its climax, particularly with the festive period’s fixtures coming thick and fast.
“We are focused on our game plan and understand what’s at stake,” Ancelotti mentioned during the press conference leading up to the match, stressing the importance of maintaining composure throughout the competitive period. The players echoed this sentiment, with the collective aim to perform well for their fans and secure victories during this busy run.
Sevilla, aiming to turn their fortunes around, will field a mix of experienced and young players. Despite their struggles, they possess the capability to cause problems, particularly if Real Madrid underestimates their intensity. Their defense includes players like Carmona filling gaps left by injuries, alongside the midfield dynamism offered by returning players like Sambi Lokonga.
The upcoming clash is not merely another football game; it is seen as part of the broader rivalry as the season progresses. Fans of both clubs will head to the stands, hoping to see their team claim the bragging rights for the next few months, with Madrid still reeling with triumph from the Intercontinental Cup victory.
Looking toward the future, Madrid fans have reasons to believe this squad can maintain their high performance and perhaps lift more silverware come season's end. For now, their focus remains clear: three points against Sevilla, at home, to put them firmly on the path toward regaining their top position.
