Just a few months ago, La Liga clash between Sevilla and Real Madrid would have been labelled as a title showdown. But after Sevilla’s poor form this year, this fixture hasn’t got a title riding on it – at least not for the Andalusian club.Julen Lopetegui’s club has been troubled by inconsistency and a chronic inability to turn draws into wins. Last time out, they beat Granada 4-2 for their first win in five La Liga games. They have drawn seven out of their last 11 league games, which was largely frustrating for their demanding fans. Even though Sevilla went on a four-month unbeaten run in La Liga, something seems to be missing. Most will point their finger at Anthony Martial, the man who was brought to the club amid much fanfare to score goals – and has only got one in ten games. However, it’s not all to do with Manchester United’s loanee.🚨| Sevilla & Real Madrid predicted starting lineups. @diarioas [🥈] pic.twitter.com/e31RWlQBJl— Blancos Central (@BlancosCentral) April 17, 2022 There have been far too many injuries and suspensions. Also, they had to do without their dependable Moroccan trio of Bono, Youssef En-Nesyri and Munir El Haddadi during the AFCON in Cameroon.Currently third in the standings, Sevilla need a strong end to the season to fend off the advances of their city rivals, Real Betis for a place in next season’s Champions League.Ubingwa wa La Liga bado unasakwa. Sevilla wana nafasi ya kubeba alama tatu mbele ya mashabiki wa nyumbani. Kuwa Mshindi!Cheza sasa 👉https://t.co/X9232ArPjX#WOWniHAO #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/SrrIBRqGfg— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) April 17, 2022 It’s about your point of view. Most clubs around Spain would love to be able to be in Sevilla’s position. Still, the tricky thing is that the ambitions of Los Nervionenses’ fanbase have been constantly boosed by the Europa League exploits and high-profile signings. They want to challenge for the top and not just settle with European qualifications year after year.This season has been strange, but it still can be considered a success – especially if they manage to upset the champions-elect Real Madrid.🚨| Real Madrid have won the last two league games at Sanchez Pizjuan. Real Madrid have not won three league games in a row at Sevilla in over THREE decades. #rmalive pic.twitter.com/ajUiy8SjVy— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 16, 2022 Carlo Ancelotti and his team have been very busy indeed this week. They needed some heroics to make it past Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final match, but they remain on course for what would be an immense double – La Liga and Champions League. Should Los Blancos triumph tonight at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, they would be only the second away team to have done so this season. The first was LOSC Lille in the Champions League.One Real Madrid player who would have loved to play and win tonight is Dani Ceballos, the former Real Betis star. He impressed Ancelotti this season and was beginning to feature more and more, but has unfortunately tested positive for covid and won’t be able to help his beloved green and whites.LA LIGA – ROUND 32FridayReal Sociedad – Betis 0-0SaturdayElche – Mallorca 3-0 (1-0)/Mojica 42, Bigas 58, Lee 81 og/Alaves – Rayo Vallecano 1-0 (0-0)/Joselu 64/Valencia – Osasuna 1-2 (0-0)/Soler 83 pen – Avila 50 pen, Budimir 74/Getafe – Villareal 1-2 (0-2)/Unal 63 – Moreno 7, Trigueros 16/Sunday15.00: (2.55) Granada (3.35) Levante (3.10)17.15: (1.51) Atl.Madrid (4.20) Espanyol (8.00)19.30: (1.92) Ath.Bilbao (3.50) Celta (5.00)22.00: (3.15) Sevilla (3.20) Real Madrid (2.60)***odds are subject to change
