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Real Madrid are back in action with another crucial La Liga fixture this weekend as they take on Sevilla at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Sunday. Both teams are in the top four at the moment and could potentially win the league title this season.
Sevilla's La Liga hopes suffered a huge dent last week as the Andalusian giants suffered a 1-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. Julen Lopetegui's well-drilled side has consistently punched above its weight this season and has a host of excellent players in its ranks at the moment.
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Real Madrid take on Sevilla in crucial La Liga tie this weekend
Real Madrid crashed out of the UEFA Champions League earlier this week after a decidedly poor performance against Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea outfit. Los Blancos have suffered a series of injuries over the course of the season and will need the experienced members in their squad to step up against Sevilla on Sunday.
Sevilla gave a good account of themselves against Real Madrid in the reverse fixture earlier this year were undone by an unfortunate own goal. Here are five key footballing battles that could potentially determine the outcome of one of La Liga's most important matches this weekend.
#5 Eder Militao vs Youssuf En-Nesyri
Eder Militao has faced a series of litmus tests this season for Real Madrid and has largely managed to prove his sceptics wrong in the past few weeks. The young Brazilian centre-back has become a leader in Real Madrid's defensive line and will need to bring his talent to the fore against Sevilla.
With both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane ruled out for the remainder of the La Liga campaign, the onus will be on Eder Militao to hold Real Madrid's title charge together. Sevilla have an array of lethal attacking players and the likes of Youssuf En-Nesyri will want to take advantage of Real Madrid's depleted squad.
En-Nesyri has been one of the most prolific strikers in La Liga this season and has registered 17 league goals in only 21 starts. The Moroccan striker is Sevilla's most potent weapon and can potentially torment the Real Madrid defence in this fixture.
#4 Vinicius Junior vs Jesus Navas
Vinicius Junior is one of Real Madrid's most prodigious wonderkids at the moment but his inconsistency has often been a thorn in his side this year. The pacy Brazilian has already produced memorable moments with Real Madrid but his final product has let the team down on one too many occasions.
The Brazilian winger has speed and age on his side, however, and could create his own legacy at Real Madrid by leading them to the league title this season. Vinicius Junior will be up against one of La Liga's most experienced veterans in Jesus Navas, however, and cannot afford to put a foot wrong on Sunday.
Formerly a devastating winger in his own right, Jesus Navas now plies his trade as a full-back and can match Vinicius Junior yard for yard with his pace. The Sevilla captain is one of the most under-rated members of his team and can play a decisive role against Real Madrid.
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#3 Alejandro Gomez vs Casemiro
Real Madrid and Sevilla have two of the most well-rounded midfields in La Liga at the moment and rely heavily on their craftsmen to pull the strings. Casemiro is the antithesis of the stereotypical La Liga midfielder, however, and his swashbuckling exploits have been crucial to Real Madrid's success over the years.
Casemiro is also capable of making an impact in the final third and his ability to break deadlocks in important matches could come to the fore against Sevilla. The Brazilian midfielder's primary responsibilities are defensive in nature, however, and Sevilla's Alejandro Gomez will likely make sure that Real Madrid's midfielders have their hands full on Sunday.
Alejandro Gomez was an exceptional creative force with Atalanta last season but is yet to make his presence felt in La Liga. The Argentine midfielder plays a key role in Sevilla's midfield and has a point to prove against Real Madrid this weekend.
#2 Luka Modric vs Ivan Rakitic
For two players that are good friends off the pitch, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric have found each other at odds on the football field on an astonishing number of occasions. The two Croatian maestros have carved unique legacies for themselves in La Liga and bring a wealth of experience to their respective sides.
Modric and Rakitic have been midfield fixtures in El Clasico for a better part of the decade and have had intriguing battles with each other on a yearly basis. Both midfielders have experienced a renaissance this season and will be looking forward to yet another clash this weekend.
Luka Modric, in particular, has played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's title bid this season and seems to be getting better with age. Ivan Rakitic has also been impressive for Sevilla and will want to do his former side a massive favour on Sunday.
#1 Karim Benzema vs Jules Kounde
Karim Benzema has essentially carried Real Madrid to within touching distance of the La Liga title yet again this season. The Frenchman has become Real Madrid's talisman over the past two years and his knack for crucial goals has made Los Blancos a force to reckon with under Zinedine Zidane.
Benzema came into his own towards the business end of Real Madrid's La Liga campaign last year and has often stepped up on the big stage. The striker has already scored 21 goals this season and will want to add to his tally in what is a do-or-die game for Real Madrid.
Sevilla, on the other hand, have unearthed a defensive prodigy in Jules Kounde and the youngster will have to work hard against his compatriot this weekend. Benzema is one of La Liga's best striker and Jules Kounde's litmus test on Sunday could prove to be a pivotal moment in his career.
Also Read: Real Madrid vs Sevilla prediction, preview, team news and more | La Liga 2020-21
