Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory vs. Sevilla on La Liga’s Matchday 15

Real Madrid took care of business as they booked a place in the knockouts of the Champions League with a dominant display at Moldova against Sheriff Tiraspol. The 3-0 win guaranteed Los Blancos a place in the Round of 16 with the final group deciding fixture to be played in the Bernabeu against Inter Milan in the next Matchday. Moreover, this was a statement of revenge against their 2-1 home defeat at hands of the Moldovans that remains a key surprise of the season.

Real Madrid will look to continue in good heart as they face a much difficult task on LaLiga’s next Matchday. They’ll play Sevilla this weekend at the Bernabeu. Sevilla has looked like title contenders this season. They are the best defense in the league having conceded just nine goals so far in 13 games. They’d be up against Real Madrid, the team with the best scoring record with 32 goals in 13 games. Everything promises a great matchup as such here are the three keys to victory that can help Los Blancos secure three points and solidify their position at the summit of LaLiga.

1. Real Madrid will need Thibaut Courtois at his very best

Sevilla’s front three are very capable of the spectacular. Their goals this season have been pieces of magic. Well worked moves and individual brilliance, the showcase is full of excellent attacks. As such, Real Madrid will need their goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois to be at his very best. There are keys for defenders that I’d be explaining in my next slides but, apart from that the Belgian needs to stay alive to those snapshots.

Sevilla was having a tough day against Mallorca in a game where they were 1-0 down, it was Erik Lamela’s curler from outside the box that helped Sevilla rescue a point. Then again, there was a thunderbolt strike from Marcos Acuna in their 5-3 win against Levante from yards outside the box. Courtois will have to make a few miracle-saves if these players come up with a similar feat in the weekend as well.

Rafa Mir, too, is a sharp finisher. His near-post finish in the 5-3 win was a delight to watch. With a narrow angle he managed to squeeze the shot in within the few available centimeters. Courtois could be up for a hard night, even if Lucas Ocampos and Erik Lamela cannot play alongside Rafa Mir.