As Sevilla work to defend their Europa League title, they’re also on another journey: trying to finish in the top four in La Liga. They’re making a good try of it so far, sitting even on points with Valencia, though they trail the goal differential battle by a whopping ten goals heading in to this match. All that said, keeping pace in that race will be difficult given that they’re facing red-hot Real Madrid -- but they’re going to do everything they can to give Madrid a very bad day, and have a 38-match unbeaten streak at home to help them out.
Sevilla vs. Real Madrid live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Sevilla are desperately trying to finish in the top four of La Liga, but their push to keep up with Valencia faces a tough challenge as they face the giants of Real Madrid.
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This match is more of a tune-up for Madrid, a fair challenge ahead of their Champions League tie with Juventus that starts at midweek. They’re on a six-match winning streak that they certainly don’t want to see end now, especially not while they try to keep up with Barcelona at the top of the table. They can’t afford to slip up now if they want to keep the pressure on Barcelona, but they also have to be mindful of their need to be at full-strength to see off Juventus.
Key player - Carlos Bacca (Sevilla)
Bacca has been tremendous since he joined Sevilla last season, and he’s at 19 goals and counting in the league, the second best total in La Liga for a player that doesn’t call Barcelona or Real Madrid home. Sevilla have a talented attack, but anything they do going forward to get past Madrid’s stodgy defense is going to have Bacca at it’s heart, and the Colombian will be eager to try to make Madrid’s lauded central defenders look bad if he can.
Key Matchup - Stephane Mbia (Sevilla) vs. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Mbia is a rock in Sevilla’s midfield, the defensive pivot point around which everything else moves. If anyone can keep the aggressive buildup play that Madrid can bring through midfield in check, particularly the silky talents of Rodriguez, it’s him. The Cameroonian destroyer is going to be busy shielding his defense, and Rodriguez will test his skills sorely. If he slips up or loses focus, Sevilla will be punished dearly for it.
Sevilla injuries and suspensions
Out: Nicolas Pareja (knee), Sebastian Cristoforo (knee) In doubt: Vitolo (knock)
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Luka Modric (knee), Karim Benzema (knee) In doubt: Toni Kroos (ankle), Alvaro Arbeloa (knock)
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Canal+ 1/HD (Spain), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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