Real Madrid will make six changes compared to the team that faced Rayo Vallecano last time out. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will make at least six changes compared to the side that drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano when hosting Sevilla on Sunday night.
Ancelotti predicted that the Bernabeu will welcome former skipper Sergio Ramos 'with great affection', in what will be his first match since leaving Madrid in 2021 for passages through PSG and now boyhood outfit Sevilla.
'He was a fantastic captain, a captain of real character, personality. I've been lucky to have captains like him, Maldini, Terry, etc,' Ancelotti reflected at his pre-match press conference on Saturday.
With a resounding 4-0 win over in Montjuic on Saturday afternoon, Madrid's bitter enemies FC Barcelona managed to move up to second place and cut Los Blanco's previous points advantage to just five. This makes picking up a win in the late-night partidazo important.
Andriy Lunin keeps his place between the sticks, while Ferland Mendy comes in at left back to replace Fran Garcia. Ancelotti confirmed that previously injured center back Antonio Rudiger would return to action and go straight into the first XI in the heart of the defensive line.
Rudiger will partner captain Nacho, but suspensions to Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga means Lucas Vazquez is offered a rare start at right back. Tchouameni is not completely discarded and can still find a home in his usual pivot position, providing support to Kroos and Valverde.
Brahim Diaz adopts the injured Jude Bellingham's role at the tip of the 4-4-2 diamond in attacking midfield. Up top, it is the usual winger pairing of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid Starting XI Vs. Sevilla: Lunin; Vazquez, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Valverde, Kroos, Brahim; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
