Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Match Details

The Narrative: A Crucial Test Before Christmas

Real Madrid welcomes perennial rivals Sevilla to the Santiago Bernabéu for their final La Liga fixture of 2025. This match carries immense weight for both sides: for the hosts, it is a vital opportunity to keep pace with league leaders FC Barcelona and ensure they go into the winter break with the title race firmly in sight. For Sevilla, it represents a chance to bridge the gap to the European qualification places and prove their recent commanding victory was a true turning point in their season.

Sevilla has historically been a challenging opponent for Los Blancos, often creating high-scoring, high-drama affairs. Manager Xabi Alonso will be demanding a strong performance to cement his side's domestic ambitions heading into the new year.

Real Madrid: Maintaining the Pressure

Real Madrid sits 2nd in the table, trailing Barcelona by a handful of points (43 to 39, though Real Madrid has played one fewer game) as of the last matchday. Their title challenge has been marked by moments of brilliance—often courtesy of stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior—but also periods of inconsistency, leading to intense scrutiny on manager Xabi Alonso.

The recent 2-1 away victory against Alavés, secured by a late Rodrygo goal, provided a much-needed lift and demonstrated their characteristic resilience. With the season closing out for the year, Madrid must deliver a convincing win at home to prevent the gap at the top from widening. The presence of Kylian Mbappé remains the team's primary offensive threat, and his combination with the dynamism of Rodrygo and Vinícius will be key to breaking down Sevilla's defense.

Key Man: Jude Bellingham remains the engine room. His ability to link midfield and attack, along with his clinical finishing when arriving late in the box, will be essential for controlling the tempo against a high-pressing Sevilla side.

Sevilla FC: Searching for Consistency

Sevilla arrives in Madrid placed 9th in the La Liga table (20 points from 16 matches). While this position is underwhelming for a club with their pedigree, their form saw a significant boost in their most recent league outing: a dominant 4-0 home win over Real Oviedo.

Under manager Matías Almeyda, Sevilla is aiming to utilize the mid-season period to build momentum and climb into the contention for European spots (Europa or Conference League). Known for their physical approach and ability to disrupt superior passing teams, Sevilla will look to frustrate Real Madrid's midfield, apply aggressive pressure high up the pitch, and exploit any turnovers with swift counter-attacks. Their ability to contain the Bernabéu's star-studded attack will rely heavily on the defensive discipline of their central pairing.

Key Battle: The duel in the wide areas will be critical. Sevilla's fullbacks will face the dual threat of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo/Mbappé. If they can minimize the space afforded to Madrid's wingers, they have a chance to keep the scoreline tight.

Head-to-Head History (Last 5 La Liga meetings)

Real Madrid has dominated the recent history, being unbeaten in the last five league fixtures against Sevilla.

Final Prediction

While Sevilla will be energized by their recent victory and will undoubtedly put up a physical fight, the Bernabéu is a fortress where Real Madrid rarely slips up when the pressure is on. Given their need to win before the holiday break and the sheer firepower at Xabi Alonso's disposal, Madrid should be able to navigate Sevilla's press and find the necessary goals.

Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3 - 1 Sevilla