Real Madrid make their first appearance since Barcelona officially dethroned them as La Liga champions with a trip to struggling Sevilla on Sunday.
Barcelona’s victory over Espanyol on Thursday confirmed their league triumph, rendering Real Madrid’s narrow win against Mallorca the previous night ultimately meaningless in the title race. This leaves Los Blancos with only the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup as major trophies this season, having lost out to Barcelona in both the Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey finals.
Sunday’s match will be Carlo Ancelotti’s penultimate game in charge of Real Madrid before he departs to manage the Brazilian national team at the season’s end. With second place already secured, eight points ahead of Atlético Madrid, Ancelotti’s side have only pride to play for in Andalusia.
Sevilla have also endured a difficult campaign, currently sitting in 14th place, the same as their underwhelming finish last season. However, they have secured their La Liga status for next season. Interim manager Joaquín Caparrós has overseen a slight upturn in form, including their first league win since March in their last outing.
Real Madrid face a significant injury crisis, particularly in attack and defense. Vinícius Júnior (ankle), Rodrygo (thigh), and potential replacement Brahim Díaz (muscle) are all doubtful. The defensive ranks are even more depleted, with Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy all unavailable. Lucas Vázquez is also a doubt at right-back. Aurélien Tchouaméni returns from suspension, but Eduardo Camavinga remains sidelined. Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is another potential absentee.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Sevilla (4-4-2): Courtois; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Asencio, F. García; Güler, Ceballos, Modrić, Bellingham; Endrick, Mbappé.
Prediction:
Despite Sevilla’s own struggles this season, they will see this as an opportunity to grab a rare victory against a weakened Real Madrid side. The sheer number of injuries plaguing Los Blancos, especially in defense, will be a major challenge. While Real Madrid still possess significant attacking talent in the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, their makeshift defense is likely to concede chances. Sevilla, buoyed by their recent win and playing in front of their home fans, will be motivated to get a result.
Prediction: Sevilla 2–2 Real Madrid