Live on CCTV: Real Madrid’s Year-End Clash – A Chance to Overtake Barcelona as 39-Year-Old Legend Retires

On December 22 at 11:15 PM Beijing time, Real Madrid will host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu in a high-stakes La Liga Matchday 18 showdown. A victory for Los Blancos would see them leapfrog Barcelona into second place, trailing Atlético Madrid by just one point. This match also marks the end of an era for Sevilla, as legendary captain Jesús Navas will play his final game before hanging up his boots. The match will be broadcast live on CCTV5, adding to the excitement surrounding this pivotal encounter.

Dominance in Recent Years: Real Madrid’s Record Against Sevilla

Real Madrid holds a commanding historical advantage over Sevilla, having won 87 of their 160 meetings, with 28 draws and 45 losses. In their last 11 La Liga encounters spanning five years, Los Blancos have remained unbeaten, securing nine wins and two draws. Sevilla’s last league victory at the Bernabéu dates back to December 2008, when they triumphed 4-3. Among the players who participated in that match, only Jesús Navas remains active, underlining his remarkable longevity.

A Chance to Overtake Barcelona

The La Liga title race has become a fierce three-way contest between Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Atlético currently leads the table with 41 points from 18 matches, followed by Barcelona with 38 points from 19 games. Real Madrid sits in third place with 37 points from 17 games.

A win against Sevilla would propel Real Madrid to 40 points, overtaking Barcelona by two points and closing the gap to Atlético to just one. This match represents a golden opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to end 2024 on a high note and strengthen their position in the title race.

Vinícius Absent, Mbappé Returns to the Left

Real Madrid will be without Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. The Brazilian forward, recently crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player, will be honored before the match in a special ceremony at the Bernabéu.

With Vinícius unavailable, Kylian Mbappé is set to return to his favored position on the left wing. According to AS, Rodrygo will lead the line as the central striker, supported by Jude Bellingham in the attacking midfield role and Brahim Díaz on the right wing. Bellingham, who has scored in each of his last six La Liga matches, will aim to extend his streak to seven games.

Farewell to a Legend: Jesús Navas’ Final Match

This game marks the retirement of Sevilla’s iconic captain, Jesús Navas, after an illustrious 22-year career. The 39-year-old winger-turned-fullback has made 704 appearances for Sevilla, contributing three goals and six assists in 32 matches against Real Madrid.

Navas’ final challenge will be a formidable one, as he is expected to face off against Mbappé on Sevilla’s right flank. The two last met in the UEFA European Championship semifinals, where Navas played an hour before being forced off due to injury.

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham
• Forwards: Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé

Sevilla (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Álvaro Fernández
• Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Loïc Badé, Nemanja Gudelj, Adrián Salas
• Midfielders: Óscar Bueno, Lucien Agoumé, Saúl Ñíguez
• Forwards: Dodi Lukébakio, Mariano Romero, Pepe Fernández

High Stakes at the Bernabéu

This year-end fixture carries immense significance for both teams. For Real Madrid, it is a chance to assert themselves as serious title contenders and send a strong message to their rivals. For Sevilla, it is an emotional farewell to a club legend who has defined an era.

The stage is set for a memorable night at the Santiago Bernabéu, where history, emotion, and ambition will collide. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as Real Madrid and Sevilla write the final chapter of their 2024 campaigns.