Real Madrid vs Sevilla prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-12-21 15:15.
[p]Missing out on a golden opportunity to go top of the table after a frenetic 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano in the previous round, Real Madrid have one more opportunity in 2024 to keep the pressure on Barcelona and Atlético in what is one of Europe’s most exciting title races. Carlo Ancelotti maintains that his side are “on the right track” despite dropping five points across the last three rounds, although the expectation will now be to end the year on a high. [/p]
[p]A home return is almost always a positive for Real, who have only lost to Barcelona here in La Liga action since April 2023 (W27, D4), with eight of the last nine victories in that sequence also coming by a multiple-goal margin. Continuing in that vein will be the expectation, although it must be noted that the Real squad arrive here on the back of a midweek trip to Qatar as they won the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup. [/p]
[p]Looking to upset Real’s solid home record are inconsistent mid-table side Sevilla, who travel to Madrid on the back of a run of six games with mixed results (W3, D1, L2). Formerly of Barcelona, manager GarcĂa Pimienta has his work cut out in his attempt to secure back-to-back league wins with Sevilla for the first time this season, and against a side he’s lost both personal H2Hs against.[/p]
[p]Playing away from home brings yet more challenges for Sevilla, who have won just once on the road under their current manager in the league (D3, L4), most recently squandering a 3-1 lead to lose against Real’s city rivals Atlético in their latest trip. Coming up trumps in this part of the capital will be no easier task, as Sevilla haven’t won away against Los Blancos since 2008 (D1, L16). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Having blanked since matchday seven, Rodrygo has now scored in back-to-back games and may yet strike again after directly contributing to four goals in his last five meetings with Sevilla (G3, A1). For the visitors, Dodi Lukébakio kickstarted a flurry of goals in their recent trip to Madrid, meaning his last six scoring appearances saw him net the team opener. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Six of the last eight meetings between Real under Ancelotti and Sevilla saw both teams score and over 2.5 total goals. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]