Real Madrid vs Sevilla
This weekend may very well determine the La Liga champions this season as we’ll have two must-watch fixtures on the menu.
Other than the face-off between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid over at Camp Nou, we’ll also have a thrilling encounter between Real Madrid and Sevilla.
We here at SBOTOP may sound like a broken record in describing the tightening championship race here in La Liga. But as a football fan, the excitement of such is something that is hard to resist.
Atletico Madrid are still the league leaders with 76 points. However, Real Madrid and Barcelona are within arm’s length with 74 points apiece, while Sevilla are fourth with 70 points.
Real Madrid and Sevilla are coming off losses in the last time out and both are eager to get back on the winning track.
Los Blancos were eliminated by the Blues in the Champions League, whereas Sevilla saw their undefeated league streak snapped last weekend.
Their earlier meeting this season was as thrilling as it gets, and we are expecting something similar come Sunday evening.
Talking Points
No rest for the weary for Real Madrid
Fatigue is creeping up to Los Blancos given what happened in these last few days, and no one is feeling it more than Zinedine Zidane.
There have been rumours that the Los Blancos manager has grown tired in leading the squad and that he may be headed for another exit at the end of this season.
Ever since COVID-19 happened, Real Madrid have been battling so many challenges on and off the field. And matters have now come to a head following their exit in the Champions League semis at the hands of Chelsea.
Zidane had to endure another wave of criticisms as he implemented an unusual 3-5-2 formation which arguably cost them the finals berth. Although it sounds unfair, the Frenchman probably did it out of necessity.
Real Madrid’s consistently growing absentee list hasn’t been helpful at all, and they may face a similar quandary when they’ll host Sevilla this Sunday.
Dani Carvajal (hamstring), Lucas Vazquez (knee), and Raphael Varane (abductor) are all expected to sit out, depriving them some depth at the wings and at the defence.
Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos should spearhead their charge, while Eden Hazard has some making up to do after his questionable antics in the last time out.
If this is indeed Zinedine Zidane’s last hurrah with the club, now is the time to make it count.
Sevilla suffer untimely setback
Sevilla will aim for a huge bounce back after a disheartening loss. Julen Lopetegui’s men saw their unbeaten streak end last weekend when they were defeated 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao.
Inaki Williams delivered a fatal blow to Sevilla’s title hopes as he scored the game-winning goal during the 90th minute.
It was an uncharacteristic loss for Los Palanganas given their scoring rampage in the weeks prior, which is why Athletic Bilbao should be given kudos in executing their solid gameplan.
As they pay a visit to Real Madrid, expect Sevilla to be out searching for La Liga 2021 highlights with their crop of talented attackers.
Youssef En-Nesyri is their top hitman with 23 goals, while Luuk de Jong and Lucas Ocampo also pose a threat with six and five goals so far.
History
From the previous 57 matches, Real Madrid have won 38 games while Sevilla won in 15 along with four draws.
Los Blancos have won their last four meetings against Los Palanganas – including a 1-0 victory in their reverse fixture last December.
It was a grind out victory for Zinedine Zidane’s side as the only goal came when Vinicius Junior’s shot bounced off of Yassine Bounou for an own goal.
Yassine Bounou is the first Sevilla shotstopper to score an own goal in La Liga since 1991.
Betting Tip
The La Liga 2021 odds point to a home win for the defending La Liga champions.
Real Madrid are the favourites at 2.01, while Sevilla are priced lower at 3.45 and a draw is at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.
Other than their Champions League setback, Zinedine Zidane should be credited for guiding his men to good league form despite their inconsistencies and injury woes.
Experience plays a huge factor here. And with Real Madrid being the more grizzled group compared to Sevilla, they are expected to come away with three crucial points at home this weekend.
Moreover, along with the victory, Los Blancos are hopeful that the matchup between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid ends up in a draw so that they’ll officially return on top of the table.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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