Real Madrid will look to bounce back from a disappointing Clasico this weekend when they face Sevilla on Wednesday.
Los Blancos have lacked stability in the midfield and have often lacked cohesion. Over the weekend, Coach Carlo Ancelotti attempted to place center-back Sergio Ramos as a pivot and failed tremendously with the decision.
Fortunately, Ancelotti will have a weapon he has been sorely missing all season long when the team takes the field on Wednesday at home.
Midfield general Xabi Alonso is expected to make his season debut after struggling with a lingering injury.
"He's available. He's training with the team and I think that tomorrow (Wednesday) he could start on the bench, and I will try to give him some minutes," said Ancelotti according to ESPN. "He has all the quality to help the team improve their play. He's got experience, is a quality passer and has a good defensive attitude. He's a very important player."
Alonso has been missing in action for months and was the missing piece in Spain's failed conquest of the Confederations Cup this summer.
Aside from Alonso, Ancelotti revealed that he would start Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has struggled to find his form this season but was at his best at the Camp Nou against Barcelona and nearly scored a goal that would have tied the game at 1-1.
"I won't say who'll play. One is Benzema, but the others I won't say," said Ancelotti. "I want to rotate, these are all important games and we need to win them and gain confidence. I'd like to have the team motivated and in good physical shape. Rotations are good for that."
Madrid trails first place Barcelona by nine points in the standings with one game in hand. Sevilla sits in 10th place in the league with 13 points.
Prediction: Madrid wins 2-1.
Start Time: 5 p.m. EST
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
