{"id":27298,"date":"2025-12-20T17:07:47","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/real-madrid-faces-sevilla-tonight-needing-a-win-but-xabi-alonso-just-discovered-a-shocking-team-news-issue-just-before-kickoff\/"},"modified":"2025-12-20T17:07:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T21:07:47","slug":"70116-real-madrid-faces-sevilla-in-crucial-la-liga-clash-as-xabi-alonso-looks-to-end-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/70116-real-madrid-faces-sevilla-in-crucial-la-liga-clash-as-xabi-alonso-looks-to-end-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Madrid faces Sevilla tonight needing a win, but Xabi Alonso just discovered a shocking team news issue just before kickoff"},"content":{"rendered":"

Real Madrid faces Sevilla tonight in a crucial La Liga clash at the Bernab\u00e9u as Xabi Alonso<\/b> looks to end 2025 on a high. The 12-time European champions<\/b> sit just 4 points behind Barcelona<\/b> in the title race. A win could breathe new life into Alonso’s embattled squad ahead of the new year.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Real Madrid<\/b> sit 2nd in La Liga with 36 points<\/b> from 16 matches<\/li>\n
  • Sevilla<\/b> occupy 9th place with significant injury concerns and AFCON absentees<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Real Madrid are on a 13-game unbeaten streak<\/b> against Sevilla<\/li>\n
  • Kylian Mbapp\u00e9<\/b> is one goal away from breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar year record<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Real Madrid’s Championship Hopes Hinge on Consistency<\/h2>\n

    Real Madrid began 2025 hoping to dominate La Liga after winning the Champions League<\/b>. Instead, the season has been marked by inconsistency under new manager Xabi Alonso<\/b>. The former Bayer Leverkusen<\/b> boss took over in June but has struggled to find the winning formula at the Bernab\u00e9u.<\/p>\n

    A recent shock loss to Celta Vigo<\/b> and draws with Girona<\/b> and Rayo Vallecano<\/b> have left Real Madrid chasing Barcelona’s runaway lead<\/b>. The midfielder-turned-manager remains confident despite mounting pressure. Tonight represents a chance to stop the bleeding before the calendar flips to 2026.<\/p>\n

    Four points separate<\/b> the rivals at the top of La Liga, making every match vital. A victory would pull Real Madrid closer to Barcelona<\/b> while maintaining momentum.<\/p>\n

    Sevilla’s Depleted Squad Offers Real Madrid an Opportunity<\/h2>\n

    Sevilla travel to Madrid without their primary striker Akor Adams<\/b>, who is competing in the Africa Cup of Nations<\/b> with Nigeria. Chidera Ejuke<\/b> is also away on international duty, leaving coach Mat\u00edas Almeyda<\/b> searching for attacking solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Factor<\/td>\nReal Madrid<\/td>\nSevilla<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    League Position<\/td>\n2nd (36 pts)<\/td>\n9th (23 pts)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Head-to-Head Run<\/td>\n13 games unbeaten<\/td>\n0 wins in last 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key Absence<\/td>\nTrent Alexander-Arnold<\/td>\nAkor Adams (AFCON)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Goals This Season<\/td>\nMultiple threats<\/td>\nLimited firepower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    The 15-time Champions League winners<\/b> should capitalize on Sevilla’s injury crisis. Yet recent drawing performances show any La Liga team can frustrate Alonso’s attacking setup. Injury concerns linger for Real Madrid as well, with Dani Carvajal<\/b> and \u00c9der Milit\u00e3o<\/b> sidelined.<\/p>\n

    Mbapp\u00e9 Chases History While Alonso Courts Pressure<\/h2>\n

    All eyes will focus on Kylian Mbapp\u00e9<\/b> during tonight’s clash. The French superstar<\/b> needs just one more goal to break Cristiano Ronaldo’s record<\/b> for most goals in a calendar year by a Real Madrid player. The winger-turned-striker<\/b> has carried Real Madrid’s attacking burden.<\/p>\n

    However, Real Madrid’s overall performance matters more than individual accolades. Alonso faces increasing scrutiny after failing to win any trophies in 2025. Barcelona’s dominance<\/b> has put immense pressure on the manager to deliver in the new year.<\/p>\n

    \n“Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wants to leave the club’s recent struggles behind and end the year on a high with a win over Sevilla.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 FotMob<\/b>, Pre-Match Analysis<\/p>\n

    Will Real Madrid Break Through Sevilla’s Defense Before 2025 Ends?<\/h2>\n

    Sevilla have proven dangerous despite their depleted squad. The nine-time UEFA Cup winners<\/b> famously upset Barcelona<\/b> earlier this season, showing any opponent can be vulnerable. Yet Real Madrid’s offensive weapons<\/b> and home advantage should favor the Blancos tonight.<\/p>\n

    The Bernab\u00e9u will host over 80,000 fans<\/b> under the lights, providing crucial support. Real Madrid’s pressure must translate into goals if they hope to close the gap on Barcelona. Sevilla will play defensively, showing they can make this uncomfortable for the home side.<\/p>\n

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    Watch Match Preview<\/h3>\n