Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Bernabéu amid a climate of controversy

Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday. At home for a second consecutive matchday, they will try to claim all three points during a period marked by disputes involving referees, Tebas and Barça. The immediate challenge is also on the pitch: Madrid’s play needs to improve.

Sevilla arrive after a start to the season described as positive, with their campaign not appearing destined to repeat the difficulties of previous seasons. A former centre-back stressed the importance of confidence when trying to win at the Bernabéu: « A positive state of mind matters greatly for aims such as winning at the Bernabéu. These are grounds where it is difficult to win; collective mental and physical strength is essential. »

In assessing Sevilla under García Plaza, he also pointed to the team’s good display against Barça at the Sánchez-Pizjuán and its qualities away from home: solidarity, intensity and confidence. He nevertheless felt that Real Madrid had yet to get going. In his view, Madrid remain dangerous at home, while Sevilla must be compact, intense, committed and tough, as well as effective in front of goal.

His assessment of Sevilla’s squad was also positive. The club are said to have assembled a team capable, at the very least, of avoiding a difficult season; a strong start can fuel belief and help establish a points-gathering run away from home. The former centre-back sees a more mature group that limits mistakes, with players who know LaLiga and a team taking shape. Above all, he emphasised defensive solidity, from the goalkeeper through the outfield, along with experience and a lack of fear.

For Madrid, Arda Güler could be the main change from the Champions League match, on the right flank. That possibility stems from Vinicius’s sanction, which begins to be served on Sunday. Sevilla therefore have reasons for optimism, but Real Madrid will first look to pair a result with an improvement in their play.