Real Madrid Faces Sevilla in Crucial Year-End Clash

Real Madrid is set to host Sevilla FC for their final match of 2025 at the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday at 21:00. The team, under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso, held their last training session on Friday morning in front of eager media. Following their recent qualification for the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey against Talavera with a score of 2-3, the players quickly shifted focus to this pivotal home encounter. Currently sitting four points behind FC Barcelona, a victory against the Andalusians would apply pressure on their Catalan rivals, who are scheduled to face Villarreal on Sunday.

This week brings encouraging news for Madrid fans as several key players have returned to training, marking a significant boost for the squad. For the first time in weeks, Alonso’s lineup is nearly complete, which bodes well for their ambitions as they head into the winter break.

Injury Woes Ahead of Sevilla Match

However, the squad still faces challenges with notable absences. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Federico Valverde will miss the clash due to injuries. Additionally, Fran García and Endrick are suspended after receiving red cards in their last match against Celta Vigo. These setbacks could pose tactical dilemmas for Alonso, who may need to rely on Castilla players David Jimenez and Victor Valdepeñas, both of whom recently made their first-team debuts.

Positive Returns and Tactical Considerations

The return of David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rüdiger has injected fresh energy into the squad. While none of these players are at peak fitness yet, there’s optimism that some will be included in the matchday squad against Sevilla. This scenario presents Alonso with both a challenge and an opportunity as he seeks to optimize his lineup for this crucial fixture.

As fans eagerly anticipate this showdown at the Bernabéu, all eyes will be on how Real Madrid navigates these absences while leveraging their returning stars. Will they secure a vital win to keep pace with Barcelona? Only time will tell as they aim to end 2025 on a high note.