How Sevilla can defeat Real Madrid
By Roy Emanuel
Why Sunday could be a major surprise for Real Madrid.
La Liga’s trophy this season comes down to the final weeks of the campaign, with El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid level at the top of the table. The Blaugrana hold the superior goal-differential, but it is Madrid who hold an important game in-hand.
And it is Sevilla and manager Jorge Sampaoli who could provide the greatest impact of all in the title hunt, with their visit to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday crucial to the finishing point totals. Confidence is at an extreme high for Los Blancos, after securing their second consecutive trip to the UEFA Champions League final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid.
But Los Nervionenses have the capability of stopping Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, just as they did earlier this year to end their opponent’s magnificent 40-match unbeaten run.
In order for the same result to take place this coming weekend, Sampaoli will again need a spectacular performance from various players in his line-up.
Strong midfield play
In their 2-1 victory at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan earlier in the season, it was Sevilla’s midfield that was ultimately able to slow down the Real Madrid front-line. At the heart of this success is the rejuvenated play of Steven N’Zonzi.
The French international has displayed fantastic positioning and excellent vision throughout the campaign, and will need to be at his best on Sunday.
If Sampaoli is again able to bring about an organised approach, Sevilla may be able to secure a famous result in a difficult atmosphere at the Bernabeu.
The attack
Sevilla’s attacking play will certainly be vital, but not necessarily in just scoring goals. Los Blanquirrojos will require a complete performance from the likes of Wissam Ben Yedder and Stevan Jovetic.
Ben Yedder’s pace and Jovetic’s touch are both exceptional qualities, but both may find themselves tasked with tracking back and helping team-mates in the midfield. Winning possession and stretching the opposing back-line will be critical as well.
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Against a team with Real Madrid’s quality, a visiting side must get the most out of their squad. In the case of Sevilla, their forwards will need to do everything possible in earning a result.
The right time to strike
Sevilla will be able to look at January’s victory as a reminder of their abilities against Real Madrid, and can draw motivation from a hard-fought win. But they also may be catching their opponents at the perfect time to pull the upset.
Real Madrid are defined by European glory, and their chance to become the first club to defend a title in the Champions League era is a historical achievement that will receive tremendous focus. With a trip to Celta Vigo coming only days after hosting Sevilla, concentration and form may not be at optimal levels for manager Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Even with their array of top-class talent, the worries of fatigue, travel and motivation may leave them vulnerable at home. This scenario undoubtedly is what Barcelona will be hoping for to retain their status at the top of the table.
Next: Morata to stay with Real Madrid?
La Liga’s upcoming matches are bringing quite the dramatic final act, with Sevilla and Jorge Sampaoli set to play the villain in the Spanish capital this coming Sunday.