Sevilla vs Real Madrid

Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is the venue as Sevilla and Real Madrid lock horns in one of the most enthralling La Liga fixtures this weekend.

Sevilla bounced back from a 2-0 deficit inside the first 30 minutes to share the spoils with Rayo Vallecano in a 2-2 draw before the international break, extending their winless run in all competitions to three games (D2, L1). That was also the end of the line for Europa League-winning manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, with Diego Alonso taking his place during the pause. The 48-year-old couldn’t have hoped for a sterner challenge at the start of his managerial tenure, though Sevilla’s four-game unbeaten home run (W3, D1) can give him confidence. However, after failing to beat Real Madrid in over five years (D1, L8), ‘Los Rojiblancos’ ought to take the field plagued by skepticism. Averaging 2.67 goals across their last three home league outings (W2, D1) could be helpful.

In the meantime, Jude Bellingham’s match-winning brace inspired Real Madrid to a comprehensive 4-0 home win over Osasuna last time out, cementing his place at the top of La Liga’s scoring leaderboard with eight goals. Except for a 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in late September, ‘Los Blancos’ have won all seven remaining league matches this season, potentially laying the foundations for a record-extending 36th La Liga title. As the division’s best defense with just six goals conceded, the visitors must feel confident about registering a fifth successive league win at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. That’s not to mention Carlo Anceotti’s men are one of only three La Liga teams to have reached a 20-goal threshold this season, netting 2+ goals on three of their five league travels.