On May 18, 2025, Real Madrid faced Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in a La Liga Gameweek 37 encounter. With the league title already secured, manager Carlo Ancelotti opted to field a blend of youth and experience, providing opportunities to emerging talents while managing the workload of seasoned players.
📝 Confirmed Starting XI for Real Madrid
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
- Defenders: Federico Valverde (RB), Jesús Vallejo (CB), Jacobo Ramón (CB), Fran García (LB)
- Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni
- Attacking Midfielders: Arda Güler (RW), Jude Bellingham (CAM), Güler (LW)
- Forward: Kylian Mbappé
Note: Due to multiple injuries, Valverde was deployed as a right-back, and young talents like Jacobo Ramón and Arda Güler were given starting roles.
🔍 Tactical Overview
Defensive Setup:
With regular defenders like Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and David Alaba sidelined due to injuries, Ancelotti had to improvise. Valverde, typically a midfielder, was positioned at right-back, showcasing his versatility. Jacobo Ramón, a promising talent from the youth ranks, partnered with Vallejo in central defense, while Fran García took up the left-back position.
Midfield Dynamics:
The midfield duo of Modrić and Tchouaméni provided a balance of experience and youthful energy. Modrić’s vision and Tchouaméni’s defensive prowess aimed to control the tempo and disrupt Sevilla’s advances.
Attacking Strategy:
In the absence of key forwards like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz, the attacking responsibilities fell on the shoulders of Mbappé, Bellingham, and Güler. Güler, known for his creativity, operated on the wings, while Bellingham played centrally to link the midfield and attack. Mbappé led the line, expected to capitalize on any defensive lapses.
📋 Bench and Substitutions
Given the injury crisis, Ancelotti’s bench featured several young prospects, including Víctor Muñoz and Gonzalo. These players were on standby to make an impact if called upon, reflecting the club’s emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent.
🏥 Injury Concerns
Real Madrid’s lineup was significantly influenced by a spate of injuries:
- Vinícius Júnior: Sidelined with a Grade II ankle sprain.
- Dani Carvajal: Out due to a torn ACL and LCL.
- Éder Militão and David Alaba: Both defenders were unavailable, necessitating defensive reshuffles.
- Brahim Díaz: Missed the match due to an adductor injury.
These absences compelled Ancelotti to rely on squad depth and promote youth players to the first team.
⚽ Match Context
While Real Madrid had already clinched the La Liga title, Sevilla was battling to avoid relegation, making this fixture crucial for the Andalusian side. Ancelotti’s decision to field a mixed lineup provided valuable experience to young players and rested key figures ahead of upcoming commitments.
📝 Conclusion
Real Madrid’s lineup against Sevilla in La Liga Gameweek 37 showcased the club’s depth and commitment to developing young talent. Despite numerous injuries, the team fielded a competitive side, balancing the need for rest and preparation for future challenges. This approach not only maintained the team’s performance standards but also provided invaluable experience to emerging players on a significant stage.