Real Madrid will look to bounce back from the controversial 4-3 defeat at home to Barcelona when they take on Sevilla tonight.
It won’t be an easy trip for Carlo Ancelotti’s men though, with a number of players missing through injury and suspension. And the Sanchez Pizjuan is never an easy place to go and pick up three points – indeed Real Madrid lost 1-0 there last season.
The hosts go into the game inn a good run of form, inbeaten in the last seven games and still on a high after knocking out local rivals Real Betis in the last-16 stage of the Europa League. Unai Emery’s side are also the fouth highest scoring outfit in the country – only Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid have scored more this season, so Los Blancos should be prepared for a busy night at the back.
For the visitors, it is a chance to get back on track, and Cristiano Ronaldo will be taking on one of his favourite teams. He’s scored 11 goals against Sevilla in just five games against them.
Xabi Alonso has been training with the side again, and Raphael Varane should be fit despite a slight knee problem. Definitely missing will be Angel di Maria, who is suspended having picked up a yellow card at the weekend against Barcelona. Sergio Ramos will miss out against his former side having been sent off against the Catalans.
Gareth Bale has had a few quiet games recently, and Ancelotti will be looking for him, Ronaldo and Benzema to have their shooting boots on and reproduce the form that saw Los Blancos stick seven past Sevilla earlier this season.
Probable line-ups
Sevilla: Beto ; Moreno, Navarro , Fazio, Coke ; Mbia, Iborra ; Vitolo, Rakitic , Marin ; Gameiro
Real Madrid: Lopez ; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo ; Modric, Alonso ; Ronaldo, Isco , Bale ; Benzema.
