Breaking: The teamsheets are in at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid go strong against Sevilla, and the tone is set. The lineup choices point to speed, control, and a statement. The manager, Alonso, has kept the talk inside the room. The message is simple. Perform, and let the football do the talking.
Lineups Locked In
Madrid’s XI is built for front-foot football. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo start together, ready to run at space. Jude Bellingham sits just underneath, free to roam and link play. In midfield, the engine is clear. Aurélien Tchouameni shields the back line. Federico Valverde gives range and power on the right half-space. Eduardo Camavinga adds calm and bite on the other side. Dani Carvajal starts at right back, with Antonio Rüdiger patrolling the center. The shape can flip, but the idea is steady. Win the ball, break with purpose, and pin Sevilla in their half.
Sevilla’s sheet has a compact feel. Youssef En-Nesyri leads the line as the target and runner. Lucas Ocampos starts wide to press and carry. Loïc Badé anchors the defense, with Marcos Acuña offering thrust from left back. Expect a double pivot to screen the back four. The plan is to keep the middle tight, slow the tempo, and hit fast when Madrid lose shape.
Confirmed lineups are in, and Madrid have gone with their star front unit and a powerful midfield three.
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Alonso Sets The Tone
Alonso cut through the noise before kickoff. He dismissed the idea that Madrid need extra public support. He said the job is to meet the club’s own standard, not to chase approval. That calm face of confidence matches tonight’s XI. This is a side picked to control the game, not to react to it.
The stance matters inside the stadium. The Bernabeu demands authority, not excuses. The players know it. The coach knows it. An assertive shape and trusted starters send a message to the dressing room. Trust your habits. Trust your press. Create pressure, then punish.
Alonso’s message was clear, the team does not need outside backing, only execution.
How The Game Could Be Won
This matchup is always physical and clever. Small details decide it. Madrid will look to overload the right, with Carvajal releasing Valverde and Rodrygo into space. That stretch can free Bellingham between the lines. On the left, Vinicius will test one-on-one duels. Sevilla must keep their block narrow and foul smartly in safe areas.
- Vinicius against Sevilla’s right back, can he force early bookings
- Bellingham’s pockets between the pivots, can Sevilla track his late bursts
- Set pieces at both ends, Sevilla are dangerous in the air, Madrid must be clean on marks
- First pass after regains, who wins the second ball in midfield
Sevilla will try to slow the tempo with fouls and restarts. They will target the space behind Madrid’s fullbacks. En-Nesyri runs the channels well. Ocampos can draw two defenders and open a switch. If Sevilla get to minute 60 still tight, their bench can tilt the game with fresh pace.
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Watch the first 15 minutes. If Madrid trap Sevilla deep and create turnovers, the game could tilt early.
Culture And Stakes
This rivalry has a rhythm. Madrid chase control and rhythm at home. Sevilla bring grit, chaos, and set piece teeth. The crowd will feel every duel. At this stage of the season, points carry a heavier weight. Madrid are judged by titles. Sevilla are judged by response and resilience. Both clubs know what this fixture can spark for the weeks ahead.
Madrid’s selection says they will not drift into this. It is about tempo and field position. Sevilla’s identity under pressure is to survive storms and counter with purpose. The first goal changes everything. If Madrid score early, Sevilla must open up and risk more ground. If Sevilla score first, the game turns into a test of Madrid’s patience.
Final Word
This is a bold Madrid lineup, and it fits Alonso’s voice. Trust in the work, not in the noise. Sevilla will not fear the moment. They have tools to frustrate and strike. Expect an intense start, heavy running in the wide lanes, and sharp tactical fouls. The team that wins the middle third will own the night.
