Real madrid Vs Sevilla: Player Ratings (Militão returns from injury)

LaLiga 2026/27  ·  Matchday 9  ·  Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

Real Madrid 4 — 1 Sevilla

Sunday, 18 October 2026  ·  Att: 79,528  ·  Ref: Juan Luis Pulido Santana

Güler 30' (free kick area) Mbappé 37' Mbappé 63' ⚽ (Panenka pen) Bueno 80' Diomande 82' (outside box)

🙌 Éder Militão returns from injury (85') — His first appearance since April, greeted by a standing ovation from the entire Bernabéu. Welcome back, Eder.

2–0

Half Time

65%

Possession (RM)

18

Shots (RM)

8.10

Team Rating (FotMob)

21pts

LaLiga (3rd)

This was the performance Madridistas have been waiting to see — dominant from the first whistle to the last, creative throughout, and with no late drama for once. Real Madrid outclassed a Sevilla side that never found a way through the hosts' organisation and were made to look ordinary by a team operating at close to full capacity. Arda Güler was extraordinary, Kylian Mbappé delivered a Panenka that the Bernabéu will talk about all week, and the evening finished with the extraordinary sight of Éder Militão returning from injury to a standing ovation in the 85th minute.

The tactical setup was the most notable talking point before a ball was kicked. Mourinho chose a 4-3-2-1 with Güler in the double pivot alongside Tchouaméni — an unconventional deployment that the Turkish international has spoken about wanting to try. Valverde moved to right back in the absence of Vinícius Júnior, who is serving the first of his four-game suspension following the Villarreal red card. Endrick started on the right of the two attacking midfielders behind Mbappé, with Diomande on the left.

The first half was Madrid's most complete forty-five minutes of the season in terms of territorial control. Güler's goal on the half-hour mark was the result of a Sevilla handball — and the execution from the Turkish 21-year-old was breathtaking: a left-footed finish into the top right corner from the edge of the area that gave Vlachodimos no chance. Mbappé added the second seven minutes later, arriving at the six-yard box to finish Diomande's clever low cross from the left. At 2-0 the match was effectively over as a contest before the interval.

The second half was controlled, professional, and only briefly threatened by an Mbappé turnover that allowed Bueno to pull one back on 80 minutes — a moment that visibly irritated Courtois. But Diomande immediately restored the three-goal cushion with a stunning right-footed drive into the top left corner from outside the box — his second goal of the season, his best goal of the season. Then came the Militão moment: the Brazilian centre-back, absent since April with a thigh injury, walked onto the pitch to a reception that made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up.

Mourinho Post-Match

"It was a good game globally for Real Madrid with many players at a high individual level. We controlled it from the first to the last minute and scored quality goals. We had a high percentage of possession, which is something that doesn't always give you a real picture of the game, but today it justified the dominance we had against a good team, which we respected. It was a beautiful victory because we won, played well, and had many positive feelings." José Mourinho, Post-Match Press Conference — Real Madrid official

"The other day, half-jokingly and half-seriously, I said that if we had four Valverdes, they'd play in four different positions. He is Real Madrid's captain, and if he has to play as a goalkeeper, he will play as a goalkeeper." José Mourinho on Federico Valverde at right back

"I do not comment. We played very well." José Mourinho — when asked about constant complaints from Sevilla's players regarding Güler's alleged elbow on Peque Fernández

"For now, nothing. He'll get there." José Mourinho on Militão's return and potential starting role

Player Ratings

All ratings cross-referenced with FotMob, Managing Madrid, SI.com, and Yahoo Sports. Formation was a 4-3-2-1 with Güler in the double pivot.

🧤 Goalkeeper

8.0

#1

Thibaut Courtois

One of his better evenings of the season. Made four saves — including a crucial intervention just before half-time that kept the two-goal cushion intact when it mattered most — and his distribution was precise and purposeful throughout. Was visibly furious with Mbappé for the turnover that led to Bueno's consolation goal and made his feelings very clear in the moment. That minor irritation aside, this was a commanding, authoritative goalkeeping performance and his best individual display in the league since the Inter win in the UCL.

Yahoo: 8.0 · FotMob: 8.1 · Our Rating: 8.0

🛡️ Defenders

7.5

#8

Federico Valverde RB role ↓ 85'

For the second time this season Mourinho deployed Valverde at right back, and for the second time it worked. His defensive positioning was excellent, he kept Correia and later Ejuke relatively quiet, and his driving runs down the right flank added a genuine attacking dimension that neither Dumfries nor Trent have consistently provided. The Panenka assist — a late run to the edge of the box that drew the foul — was an example of his arriving quality from deep. Replaced at 85 minutes for Militão's return, which gave the Bernabéu what it wanted. Mourinho's quote about four Valverdes is not a joke. It is a statement of fact.

Managing Madrid: 7.5 · FotMob: 7.4 · Our Rating: 7.5

7.0

#16

Ibrahima Konaté minor

A quietly composed performance alongside Huijsen. His passing was occasionally loose — Managing Madrid noted it cost Madrid some quick transitions — but his ball-carrying from the back created several dangerous situations in the first half and his aerial dominance against Ure was near-total. Sevilla did not create a single clear chance against him personally until the second-half subs changed the dynamic. A solid contribution that kept his clean-sheet record healthy despite the Bueno goal.

Managing Madrid: 7.0 · FotMob: 7.1 · Our Rating: 7.0

8.0

#4

Dean Huijsen 🟨 23'

The early booking was careless — a needless foul on González that forced him to play the rest of the match with added caution. But everything else was exceptional. His passing was precise, vertical and commanding — he picked passes through Sevilla's press that created three of Madrid's best first-half positions. The yellow card notwithstanding, this was the performance of a player who has grown enormously in stature since arriving in the summer. Managing Madrid rated him 8 and it is difficult to argue. The suspension count from the card is something to monitor.

Managing Madrid: 8.0 · FotMob: 7.9 · Our Rating: 8.0

6.0

#17

Marc Cucurella 🟨 73'

A mostly solid first half that became difficult when Sevilla brought on Ejuke at half-time — the Nigerian winger's pace and directness turned the previously quiet left side of Madrid's backline into the most uncomfortable position on the pitch. The yellow card for a foul on Alfon González was unnecessary and is now a booking to add to the growing tally of yellow cards for this defence. Did contribute one good cross in the first half that almost gifted Mbappé a third before the penalty, but overall a functional rather than impressive evening.

Managing Madrid: 6.0 · FotMob: 6.2 · Our Rating: 6.0

⚽ Midfielders

6.5

#14

Aurélien Tchouaméni

The double pivot with Güler took the spotlight and the numbers away from Tchouaméni, but his defensive contribution was essential to everything that followed. Won six of his eight duels, made three crucial tackles and gave Güler the freedom to express himself by doing all of the dirty work. He will never take the headlines in this formation but his ball-winning and positional discipline were exactly what Mourinho needed alongside such an attack-minded midfield partner. A quietly important performance.

SI: 6.5 · FotMob: 6.6 · Our Rating: 6.5

9.0

#15

Arda Güler ⚽ 30' ↓ 78'

The performance of the season so far — in this system, from this position, against this level of opposition. Güler in the double pivot is a tactical revolution — a player with his technical quality, vision and press-resistance giving Madrid an attacking axis from deeper positions that they have not had since the peak of Kroos. His goal was extraordinary: a left-footed finish into the top right corner from outside the area off the back of a Sevilla handball — driven, precise and utterly confident. He attacked Juan Iglesias relentlessly off the dribble and created two more chances from the same zone. Replaced at 78 minutes by Camavinga as Mourinho managed the result. The controversy over an alleged elbow on Peque Fernández — which the referee did not act on — should not overshadow what was a genuinely elite individual performance. SI rated him 9. It is justified.

SI: 9.0 · Managing Madrid: 9.0 · FotMob: 9.1 · Our Rating: 9.0

7.0

#5

Jude Bellingham ↓ 70'

A better performance than recent outings — more purposeful, more involved, and finally showing signs of the vertical, incisive running that has been absent in recent weeks. His movement between the lines created space for both Güler and Diomande throughout the first half, and the assist for Mbappé's first — drifting wide before playing a clever inside ball — was precisely the kind of creative contribution that defines his best form. He was substituted at 70 minutes with the result well in hand, replaced by Bernardo Silva. That league goal drought is now running to eight games, which remains a concern, but there was encouragement here.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

🔥 Forwards

7.0

#9

Endrick ↓ 69'

His first league start of the season — filling the void left by Vinícius's suspension — and a performance that showed both his extraordinary promise and his current limitations. He created the penalty that Mbappé converted with the Panenka, driving into the box and drawing the foul from Fofana with intelligence beyond his years. Had a left-footed chance in the first half that sailed high and wide from a promising position. Worked hard in his pressing role and was always available for short combinations. Replaced by Brahim Díaz at 69 minutes, which was precautionary rather than critical. A positive and encouraging start — the kind of performance that will grow in confidence as the season develops.

FotMob: 7.0 · Our Rating: 7.0

8.5

#25

Yan Diomande ⚽ 82' 🅰 37'

A goal and an assist from a player who is quietly becoming one of the most important individuals in Mourinho's system. His low cross from the left for Mbappé's first goal was precise, composed and well-timed. Then his 82nd-minute finish — a right-footed drive from outside the box that flew into the top left corner — was the kind of goal that reminds you that this is not a squad player contributing cameos. This is a genuine starting-quality forward with an eye for the spectacular. Two goals and three assists in the league this season now from eleven appearances. Vinícius's suspension may be what forces Mourinho to acknowledge what was already evident to everyone watching.

FotMob: 8.5 · SI: 8.5 · Our Rating: 8.5

8.5

#10

Kylian Mbappé ⚽ 37' ⚽ 63' (pen 🥄) ↓ 85'

The Panenka is already the image of the season. With the Bernabéu roaring for the third goal, Mbappé stepped up to the penalty spot and chipped it audaciously down the centre as Vlachodimos dived left. It was the kind of moment that only players with an iron nerve and complete self-belief can produce. But the Panenka was not the whole story: his first goal was a deft, composed finish at the six-yard box; he was a constant menace in the channels throughout the first half; and the only dark note was the turnover that led to Bueno's goal — which prompted Courtois's fury and which Mbappé acknowledged with characteristic directness on the pitch. Replaced at 85 minutes for Espí as Mourinho managed his fitness with the UCL against RB Leipzig midweek. Eight goals in nine league games and counting.

FotMob: 8.7 · Yahoo: 9.0 (for Panenka) · Managing Madrid: 8.5 · Our Rating: 8.5

🔄 Substitutes

6.5

#21

Brahim Díaz ↑ 69'

Twenty-one minutes of neat, composed technical play that added fresh energy to the left side after Endrick's substitution. Created one chance for Diomande in the 74th minute and kept the ball efficiently in tight spaces as Sevilla pressed for a second goal. A professional cameo from a player who continues to be a reliable option off the bench.

FotMob: 6.5 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.5

#20

Bernardo Silva ↑ 70'

Twenty minutes of tidy possession management and press-triggering in the double pivot, replacing Bellingham to see out the result. Kept the ball, recycled possession quickly and provided the technical quality needed to control the final quarter of the match. A functional and effective contribution.

FotMob: 6.4 · Our Rating: 6.5

6.0

#6

Eduardo Camavinga ↑ 78'

Twelve minutes as Madrid managed the final stages. Made two important pressing triggers and completed all four of his passes. Short contribution but purposeful.

FotMob: 6.1 · Our Rating: 6.0

N/R

#3

Éder Militão ↑ 85'

Five minutes — not enough to rate — but enough for a standing ovation from the entirety of the Bernabéu that will stay with him. Returning from a thigh injury suffered in April, his reappearance signals that Madrid's injury crisis at centre-back may be coming to an end. Mourinho will manage his return carefully, but the sight of Militão back in white is the most positive news to come out of this match beyond the result itself.

Our Rating: N/R

N/R

#19

Carlos Espí ↑ 85'

Five minutes of pressing and movement in stoppage time. Not enough to rate. Was on the pitch for the final whistle and celebrated with the squad.

Our Rating: N/R

This is the Real Madrid that Mourinho has been building towards. Dominant in possession, clinical in front of goal, creative from multiple positions, and with a squad depth that allows him to rotate freely and still produce a performance of this quality. The Güler-in-the-pivot experiment is not an experiment anymore — it is a tactical revelation. Diomande's form while Vinícius serves his ban will ask Mourinho questions he may not want to answer. Militão's return gives the defence genuine options for the first time this season. And Mbappé's Panenka? That is simply the story of a man in complete harmony with the Bernabéu. Hala Madrid.

Labels:
2026/27 LaLiga Matchday 9 Home Win Player Ratings Real Madrid Sevilla Güler Diomande Mbappé Panenka Militão return Mourinho October

Real Madrid vs Sevilla Starting 11: Vinícius Suspended, Militão Omitted from XI as Mourinho Faces Selection Crisis

Real Madrid vs Sevilla: The Starting 11 | LaLiga

Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid | Sunday Night | 21:00 CEST

Real Madrid arrive back under the dazzling lights of the Santiago Bernabéu carrying massive momentum from their domestic run, yet navigating an incredibly dense web of internal personnel problems. Following a highly intensive schedule across all competitive fronts, José Mourinho’s men find themselves locked in a fierce, high stakes battle at the summit of the LaLiga table. With league leaders Barcelona leaving absolutely zero room for tactical errors or dropped points, securing a definitive victory in front of the home crowd remains the only acceptable outcome for the Merengues.

However, this weekend's assignment against a physical, notoriously stubborn Sevilla side has been heavily compromised behind the scenes. Unlike previous fixtures where selection choices were dictated purely by tactical matchups, Mourinho faces an acute squad crisis that tears straight through the spine of his typical line-up. A combination of strict disciplinary sanctions and volatile medical clearances means that the Merengues must step onto the pitch without their most explosive attacking weapon, while their premium defensive center back can only watch from the technical bench. Navigating these constraints logically requires a complete rethink of the 4-2-3-1 matrix to ensure defensive protection balances perfectly with creative penetration against the Andalusians.

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📋 The Official Squad List | Convocatoria

 

José Mourinho has named the following twenty four man group for this weekend's clash, seeing the return of a key name to the team sheet alongside a few temporary inclusions to offset active absences:

• Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Javi Navarro
• Defenders: E. Militão, Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries
• Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago
• Forwards: Endrick, Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, Yan Diomande

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🏥 The Selection Dilemma: Injured, Suspended, and Returning Players

To fully comprehend the starting grid configuration Mourinho has drafted, we must dissect the status of multiple high profile first team stars:

• Vinícius Júnior (Suspended): The Brazilian forward picked up an accumulation of yellow cards, forcing a mandatory one match suspension. His absolute directness, recovery pace, and high velocity dribbling power on the left flank are entirely missing from this fixture, representing Mourinho's biggest tactical headache.
• Rodrygo (Injured): The creative winger remains completely sidelined inside the medical room, continuing his long term recovery protocol with an expected competitive return pushed back to early next year.
• Ferland Mendy (Injured): The French fullback has failed to clear fitness tests this week due to an active muscle strain, remaining out of the traveling matchday squad.
• Éder Militão (Returning from Injury): The Brazilian center back has finally received his official medical green light and makes a highly anticipated return to the squad list sheet. However, having missed significant game time, throwing him straight into a high intensity starting role against a physical opponent is completely illogical and carries an extreme risk of a relapse. He will start on the bench.

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🎙️ Mourinho’s Press Conference: "Pragmatism Dictates the Starting Eleven"

José Mourinho was characteristically direct and completely unsentimental during his pre match media briefing at Real Madrid City, addressing his forced adjustments with a focus on cold logic:

"The suspension of Vinícius is an obstacle, but I do not spend my time crying over players who cannot touch the ball tomorrow. It opens a massive window of opportunity for someone else to step up and prove their utility to this club. As for Éder Militão, yes, he is back in the team sheet, and that is fantastic news for our long term defensive depth. But logic dictates that a player who has spent weeks in the medical room cannot simply start a grueling match against Sevilla. We must act with absolute caution. I will not compromise his fitness or display defensive naivety just because a name is available. The players who start tomorrow understand their explicit defensive tracking roles, and I expect nothing short of a dominant performance."

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🧠 The Logical Starting 11 Matrix | 4-2-3-1

Accounting perfectly for Vinícius' forced suspension, Rodrygo's injury, and Militão's physical limitations, Mourinho has structured a highly disciplined, robust starting configuration built to dictate transitions:

 

 

Thibaut Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger, Marc Cucurella; Aurélien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde; Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva; Kylian Mbappé.

• Thibaut Courtois guards the goal area as the immovable number one. His aerial dominance will be essential to claim Sevilla's deep cross deliveries.
• Denzel Dumfries locks down the right back role, picked explicitly to match the physical intensity of the visitors' wingers. With Militão benched for safety, Ibrahima Konaté and Antonio Rüdiger form a towering central defensive partnership, offering the ideal mix of spatial coverage and direct aggressive pressing. Marc Cucurella commands the left back spot, utilizing his immense positioning sense to shield the flank.
• The structural engine room relies heavily on the Tchouameni and Valverde double pivot. Tchouameni's primary duty is to anchor deep and sweep loose balls, while Valverde uses his relentless stamina to crush counter attacks before they materialize across the center circle.
• The creative line undergoes the most radical transformation. With Vinícius out, Bernardo Silva moves out to the left flank, acting as an inverted playmaker who uses ball retention and tactical patience to control tempo. Jude Bellingham coordinates the center in the number ten role, looking to aggressively push into the penalty box. Arda Güler commands the right wing as an undisputed starter, trusted entirely to slide deadly passes through Sevilla’s low block defensive lines.
• Kylian Mbappé spearheads the frontline as the isolated central forward, using his explosive lateral bursts to unlock structural channels and carry the definitive finishing threat.

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🔄 Suggested Second-Half Tactical Adjustments

• Eduardo Camavinga (for Tchouameni, ~65 min): Brought on to provide fluid lateral mobility and high velocity link up play as opposition lines tire.
• Brahim Díaz (for Bernardo Silva, ~72 min): Injects vertical acceleration and aggressive one on one directness to push back a retreating deep block.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Dumfries, ~78 min): A premium tactical variant if Mourinho seeks to completely dominate possession and utilize elite diagonal passing arcs to close out the clock.
• Endrick / Carlos Espí (for Mbappé, ~82 min): Introduces fresh, hungry physical presence to force errors inside the box and maximize set piece opportunities late in the match.

Hala Madrid!

Real Madrid Vs Sevilla: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Sevilla at home in the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in the La Liga match day 35. The last Real Madrid game was against Chelsea which was a Poor display in the mid field, it was a poor loss.

The team rating for the match against Chelsea can be found here: Team Rating

Currently Real are a recovering side, with several players joining back after injury but they need to win at any cost to have any chance of winning the league. 

Earlier the away game was a 0-1 Win. And last season this fixture was a 2-1 win.

Looking at the

Injury list:

1. Carvajal
2. Lucas Vazquez
3. Varane

Suspended:

1. None

Just recovered:

1. Ramos
2. Mendy
3. Valverde
4. Kroos
5. Hazard
6. Modric

Practiced:

The rest of the players are available for selection. 

Skipped Practice:

• None

Coach Comments:

• Zidane: "You have to be proud of the players. We have lacked to be more forceful above. In football, when you have chances, you have to put it in. Ramos and Mendy were ready to play that's why I put them on." 

Other Comments:

• Casemiro: "There is no excuse or going back, they have been better. Now we have to think about Sevilla and LaLiga."

Squad Updates:

This will be the Forty ninth game of the season and Real have been inconsistent in the matches and the results, they have had 28 wins, 11 Draws and 9 losses. In the last few games the performance has been poor especially in attack and mid-field and with this ailing team it is not making it any easier.

Sevilla are a very good side and are good in attack, so Real will need to be careful and be ready for their counters.

In the goal Courtois will start, he has been in a good form. He has supported the defense pretty well but has not received the same from the team and with so many changes due to injury it is getting tough.

Mendy should start on the left . As Ramos is now available he and Militao will start. Varane and Carvajal are out injured. So, Odriozola should start. Mendy, Ramos, Militao and Odriozola should start. Marcelo, Nacho and Miguel should be available as substitutes.

Modric and Kroos have been off pace and looked slow in the last game but they have been exceptional before that, both might start. So, Modric and Kroos should start along with Casemiro. Isco, Arribas, Valverde and Blanco should be available on the bench.

The forwards have been poor all season except last game, Hazard is back but should not start and Vinicius should start on the left and Asensio will start on the right. And Benzema should start upfront.  Mariano, Rodrygo and Hazard should start from the Bench.

As there are 5 substitutions available, ZZ should think for more changes in the second half if the score is conducive especially taking into account the team's fatigue.

The probable substitutions will be: 

Vinicius > Hazard

Modric > Valverde

Mendy > Marcelo

Kroos >  Blanco

Benzema/Asensio > Rodrygo

Ramos > Nacho

So the formation would be 4 3 3.

The most probable kit to be used for the game will be the home kit!!!

So the final starting 11 will be:

Mendy OUT <> Marcelo IN

Ramos OUT <> Nacho IN

Sevilla Vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Sevilla away from home in the La liga match day 12. The last Real Madrid game was against Shaktar which was poor result after a good display in the first half, this was one of the okay performances of the team but full of misses and errors. The team did not show the needed strong mentality or any character after the first goal, which was due to a personal error.

The team rating for the match against Shaktar can be found here: Team Rating

With so many important matches lined up and poor results in the past La liga games, Real have no option but to win this.

Last year this fixture was a 0-1 win.

Looking at the

Injury list:

1. Carvajal
2. Hazard
3. Odriozola
4. Valverde

Suspended:

1. None, Casemiro is on 4 yellow and has a chance of missing next game if he picks another yellow.

Just recovered:

1. Benzema
2. Casemiro
3. Ramos
4. Militao

Practiced:

The rest of the players are available for selection. 

Skipped Practice:

• None

Coach Comments:

• We did not deserve to lose the game.

Other Comments:

• The team is struggling to get proper fitness and stuff the counter attacks.

Squad Updates:

This will be the sixteenth game of the season and Real have been inconsistent in their performances, they have 7 wins, 3 Draws and 5 losses. And in the last few games the performance levels have dropped, Defence has been in shambles. Too many personal errors leading to goals and losses. Madrid would want to win this at any cost.

Sevilla has a great attack .So, Real will need to be solid in the defence.

In the goal Courtois will start, he has been in poor form and has been leaking goals in the last few games and too many penalties have also been conceded, none of which were saved. 

Mendy has to start on the left. Ramos and Varane will start as the center backs. And Nacho will start on the right. So Mendy, Ramos, Varane and Nacho should start. Defence has been in pathetic form for some time but last couple of games they have been worse. They can only get better from here.

Modric has been exceptional but might need some rest and should be favorite to start from the bench. Mid field has been better in the last few games even without Valverde and Casemiro. Kroos and Ødegaard have been sharp as well but both lacked fitness, which was evident in defending the counters leading to the goals. Real is getting the control back in the midfield and hope this progression continues. Ødegaard, Casemiro, Kroos should start. Modric and Isco will start from the bench.

The forwards have been mis-firing and missing sitters. They have been creating chances but not finishing. Hazard is not available and Vinicius should start on the left, Benzema upfront and Rodrygo on the right. Lucas Vazquez, Jovic, Mariano and Asensio should start from the bench.

As there are 5 substitutions available, ZZ should think for more rotations in the second half especially taking into consideration that the team's fitness.

The probable substitutions will be: 

Vinicius > Asensio

Ødegaard > Modric

Kroos > Isco

Mendy > Marcelo

Rodrygo > Lucas Vazquez

Benzema > Jovic/Mariano

So the formation would be 4 3 3.

The most probable kit to be used for the game will be the third kit !!!

So the final starting 11 will be:

Real Madrid Vs Sevilla: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Sevilla at home. Real are 2nd and they are 4th on the La liga leader-board, as we are joint leaders this is a very crucial match, Madrid is not going to take any risks this time.

First I would like to see the 

Injury list:

1. Asensio
2. Hazard
3. Benzema
4. Ramos
5. Jovic

Suspended:

1. Valverde,
 Carvajal has already accumulated 4 yellows and is in the risky zone for the next game.

Just recovered:

1. James
2. Marcelo
3. Lucas Vazquez
4. Bale

Practiced:

Asensio and Hazard continue with their recovery processes. Benzema has trained alone, where as Bale is back with the team in practice. Jovic and Ramos trained indoors.

Skipped Practice:

Ramos, Jovic, Asensio and Hazard

Coach Comments:

• Nothing specific

Other Comments:

• The team is upbeat after the great win of Supercopa.
• Valverde is suspended due to red card from Supercopa. And will have one game suspension.

Squad Updates:

This is a crucial game for the La liga title race.

In the goal Courtois will start, having got several good games in the past, things look definitely very positive for him and Real Madrid.


Ramos is not available due to injury, so Militao and Varane should be seen in the starting 11 and as Marcelo had a muscular injury and just returned he was a bit scrappy and should not make into the starting line up. So Mendy, Militao, Varane and Carvajal will start. Defence has been in good form and is expected to prevent the occasional errors those have led to the goals in the past games.

All the four super mid-fielders are doing great, Modric, Kroos, Valverde and Casemiro. And now Isco is added to that, there are 5 options available as starters, a very difficult decision for ZZ. Valverde is suspended due to red card. Taking the past game's rigor and current fitness level into considerations it is going to be Casemiro, Kroos and Modric in the middle. And Isco might start in the attack.

As Hazard and Benzema have been injured and now Jovic is added to it, Bale, Vinicius and Rodrygo are the go to options. So, Bale, Isco and Rodrygo should start in absence of Benzema and Jovic. And will have Vinicius, James and Lucas Vazquez as substitutes depending on the work rate of others.

Update: As Bale is not fit and Benzema is fit at the last moment, he should replace Bale.

So the final starting 11 will be:

Final update: Benzema replaces Bale after the squad is released for the match.