Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid return to the familiar terrain of La Liga and the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan desperately in search of the maximum points that can dispel the gathering crises following an embarrassing loss in the Champions League in midweek.
Los Merengues were ripped to pieces by a Di Maria-inspired PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, a result which has cranked up the pressure on the Madrid boss.
Real Madrid are suffering from serious issues and while the team’s accrued eight points from a possible 12 can hardly be considered a bad start to the new La Liga season, Zidane’s side appeared doomed with a mish-mash of talent who can’t function together and don’t want to commit to the cause.
This is certainly a wrong time to travel to early La Liga leaders Sevilla, who are enjoying a fine start to the campaign under new manager and former Real boss Julen Lopetegui.
Sevillistas deserved their position on the league table at this early stage of the season after claiming ten points from a possible 12, keeping clean sheets in all of their wins including last weekend’s 0-1 result away to Alaves.
Considering their recent record at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Real – a side that failed to register a single shot on target in Paris as they were battered 3-0 by the French champions – could well be on the end of another hiding this Sunday night.
Match Facts
Sevilla have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 7 home matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 12 of their last 14 matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Sevilla’s last 6 games (LaLiga).
Sevilla have scored at least 2 goals in their last 7 home matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Head-to-head stats
Sevilla are unbeaten in their last five games against Madrid in Andalusia, winning four including a thumping 3-0 success last season.
Prediction
Real Madrid appear to be a breathe away from a major crisis and with the team defending like scared schoolboys, it would not be a surprise if the hosts hand Los Blancos another thrashing.
Tip: Sevilla to win.