Sevilla Vs Real Madrid

Despite falling short in their pursuit of the La Liga crown, Real Madrid will look to close out the 2024–25 campaign on a strong note as they travel to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán to face Sevilla on Sunday evening. Having been confirmed as this season’s runners-up, Los Blancos now set their sights on finishing the campaign with dignity and optimism, offering their loyal supporters one last performance on the road before they return home for their final fixture.

Real Madrid’s most recent outing saw them snatch a narrow but morale-boosting 2-1 win over Mallorca, a result that temporarily delayed Barcelona’s coronation as champions. However, their title rivals quickly wrapped things up the following day, beating city foes Espanyol 2-0 to officially clinch the league. That result ensured that Carlo Ancelotti's side would have to settle for second place—a respectable position but ultimately a disappointment given the high expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Sunday’s match will mark the penultimate chapter in what has been a turbulent season for Madrid. Despite early-season silverware in the form of the UEFA Super Cup, the club has come up short in its three major domestic and European competitions. Their exits from both the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, combined with their inability to match Barcelona’s consistency in the league, have set the tone for an impending managerial change. Carlo Ancelotti, who guided the club to multiple trophies during his tenure, will step down at the end of the season, preparing to take over the Brazilian national team.

All eyes now turn to Ancelotti’s likely successor, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. A former Real Madrid midfielder and fan favorite, Alonso’s rise as a manager has been meteoric, and his return to Madrid as head coach is generating considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike. The club's upcoming fixtures, including the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in June, will likely give the new manager a chance to evaluate the squad’s depth and identify areas that need reinforcement.

Before looking too far ahead, however, Real Madrid must focus on the task at hand: a tricky visit to Sevilla. Historically a challenging venue, the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán has produced some memorable clashes between these two storied clubs. Madrid managed to win the reverse fixture earlier this season, edging past Sevilla with a 4-2 triumph at the Bernabéu. Yet, they’ll be well aware that things could prove more difficult away from home, especially considering their mixed record on the road. With just nine victories from 18 away games this season, Madrid’s form outside their fortress has been patchy, and Sevilla will aim to exploit any signs of complacency.

For Sevilla, this match represents an opportunity to end a trying season on a positive note in front of their supporters. It's been a difficult campaign for Los Nervionenses, marred by inconsistent performances, injury setbacks, and a flirtation with relegation that lingered dangerously for much of the season. However, Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 win over Las Palmas provided a much-needed lift and, crucially, secured their top-flight status for another year.

That victory was not only a relief—it was historic in its own way, as it marked Sevilla’s first win in La Liga since March 9. The drought had cast a long shadow over the team’s morale and threatened to plunge them deeper into the bottom tier of the standings. With just two matches remaining, Sevilla sit on 41 points from 36 matches, comfortably clear of the drop zone by a margin of seven points. While they cannot entirely erase the memories of a frustrating season, ending it with a respectable performance against Madrid would certainly offer some redemption.

The current standings reflect just how much Sevilla have regressed compared to their recent campaigns. Finishing 14th last season—a low not seen since their relegation in 2000—was already a warning sign. Unfortunately, this season has followed a similar pattern, and a poor finish in these final games could see them drop as low as 17th. The squad has struggled to find rhythm or consistency, and much of the responsibility now falls on veteran manager Joaquín Caparrós to ensure his side ends the year with pride and purpose.

At home, Sevilla’s form has been a mixed bag. Of their 18 league games at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán this season, they’ve won six, drawn six, and lost six. That kind of balance reflects a team that has neither excelled nor collapsed, but rather stumbled through a season that promised little and delivered less. Hosting Real Madrid presents them with a golden opportunity to produce a statement result, even if only for morale and pride.

Historically, Sevilla have had a torrid time against Real Madrid. They haven’t beaten Los Blancos since September 2018, a drought that now stretches into its seventh year. Their most recent encounter at this stadium, however, ended in a 1-1 draw last season—a glimmer of encouragement that Caparrós and his squad can draw from. Replicating that result, or bettering it, would be seen as a considerable achievement given the disparity in squad strength and resources.

Back in Madrid’s camp, attention is already beginning to shift toward the future. Despite enduring a trophyless domestic campaign, the squad remains brimming with talent and promise. One of the few bright spots this season has been the emergence of young players like Jacobo Ramón, who scored the match-winning goal against Mallorca earlier this week. His late strike capped off an impressive showing and offered a glimpse into the next generation of Madridistas ready to take the stage.

The looming summer transfer window also brings with it an air of anticipation. Real Madrid are reportedly close to securing deals for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juventus defender Dean Huijsen. Both players are expected to bring fresh energy and depth to a side looking to reclaim dominance both at home and in Europe. If those transfers are finalized swiftly, they could even feature in the upcoming Club World Cup—a tournament that Madrid will begin against Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal on June 18.

That competition will offer Madrid a chance at redemption, a final opportunity to lift silverware in what has otherwise been a frustrating year. While some may downplay the significance of the tournament, winning the expanded Club World Cup would provide a valuable morale boost ahead of next season’s rebuild under a new manager.

Injury woes have also played a significant role in Real Madrid’s underwhelming campaign. Key players have missed chunks of the season, forcing Ancelotti to rely on less experienced squad members. While some youngsters have stepped up admirably, the lack of consistent performances from Madrid’s marquee stars has been a decisive factor in their failure to keep pace with Barcelona.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid's pedigree and depth ensure that they remain one of the most feared sides in world football. This trip to Sevilla, while no longer decisive in terms of league positioning, is still crucial from a psychological and developmental standpoint. With fans hoping for a positive send-off for Ancelotti and the players seeking to leave a final impression before the off-season begins, the match promises intensity and high drama.

For Sevilla, the stakes may be lower in practical terms, but emotionally, the match carries weight. A win or even a competitive showing against one of Spain’s footballing giants could help change the mood around the club and signal better things ahead. While their league position may not dramatically improve with a single result, the symbolic value of standing toe-to-toe with Madrid should not be underestimated.

As both clubs approach the end of their respective journeys this season, this matchup offers a compelling narrative. One team looks to conclude a transitional phase with optimism, while the other battles to regain pride after a season of turbulence. With players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior likely to feature for Madrid and an embattled Sevilla team seeking redemption, all the ingredients are in place for a captivating contest.

Although neither side has anything tangible left to fight for in La Liga, the implications of the result go beyond the table. Real Madrid are playing for momentum, legacy, and the chance to honor a departing manager. Sevilla are playing for dignity, for their fans, and for a future that desperately needs brighter days.

Ultimately, Sunday’s clash in Seville may not influence the title race or determine relegation, but in the grand theatre of Spanish football, it still matters. And for the players on the pitch, the fans in the stands, and the managers guiding from the sidelines, it remains a final opportunity to shape the story of a season that, for better or worse, is almost at its end.