After being held to a 1-1 scoreline against Rayo Vallecano in the previous matchday, Real Madrid will take on Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu, after playing two consecutive matches away from home.
Match details
Date: Sunday, 25th February 2024
Competition: La Liga
Matchday: 26
Time: 22:00 CEST
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Match preview
Despite creating many chances and the inability to finish them in the 2nd half especially, Real Madrid dropped points against Rayo Vallecano in what could have extended their lead at the top even further.
In the matches without Jude Bellingham, it was clearly seen that the team is missing a finisher inside the box. Joselu scored against Rayo but is now out injured for the next three weeks.
Sevilla, on the other hand, played out a stalemate against Valencia in the last fixture. The Los Palanganas have had a poor league run so far languishing at the 15th position – just two places away from the relegation zone.
Offensively, they have been fairly decent, scoring 30 goals which happens to be more than what some of the mid-table teams have. But the problem lies in the defense, where sloppy defending has been seen and they have conceded 37 goals this season.
On the contrary, Real Madrid’s injury woes continue and Ancelotti’s efforts must be applauded for the way he has led the men in white this season.
Joselu was the latest player to be added to the list, which includes names such as Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and the Englishman Jude Bellingham.
On the bright side, Antonio Rüdiger has been added to the squad which means Aurelien Tchouaméni will return to his natural position of a central defensive midfielder.
Without Jude Bellingham, Ancelotti will have to rely on Vinicíus, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz as the Bernabeu faithful expect the team to put on a show after a draw last week.
A win here will give an 8-point lead to Los Blancos over now 2nd-placed, FC Barcelona. After not firing on the attacking front, the men in white would want to finish their chances and further assert Real Madrid’s dominance in the league.
Moreover, a familiar face in defense will be making a return to a place he once called home. Sergio Ramos is expected to start for Sevilla and it would be the second time this season he comes up against his former side – the first time being earlier this season, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
