Real Madrid host Sevilla in bid to close gap on Barcelona
Real Madrid face Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday evening as they seek to maintain their title challenge following Barcelona's convincing victory over Real Betis. According to 101 Great Goals, Madrid cannot afford any slip-ups if they are to remain within striking distance ahead of next week's Clásico.
The hosts arrive in strong form, having won their last four home league games. They bounced back from a 2-1 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal last weekend, before securing a dramatic 4-3 away win at Roma midweek. However, they will be without Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian winger receiving a four-match suspension after being sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair against Villarreal. Madrid's appeal of the ban was rejected, meaning Júnior will also miss the Clásico.
Sevilla have emerged as unexpected challengers this season under manager Luis García Plaza. The visitors sit fifth with 14 points from eight games, just four points behind Madrid, representing a stark turnaround from last season when they finished 17th and narrowly avoided relegation. They arrive having had a full week to prepare since drawing 3-3 at Levante.
History offers little encouragement for García Plaza's side. Sevilla have not won against Madrid in 15 consecutive matches across all competitions, losing 13 of those meetings. They have lost their last five league meetings and their last victory at the Bernabéu came in December 2008. The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Sunday, 18 October.
