Real Madrid host Sevilla in Regular Season - 9, a Matchday 9 fixture in which the table is starting to take shape. The sides sit adjacent in the standings, with Real Madrid fourth and Sevilla fifth. Whichever team comes out ahead will gain a little separation in the upper reaches of the table. José Mourinho's Real Madrid face a Sevilla side led by Luis García.

The most telling factor is the contrast in recent league results. Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 at home on October 10, after losing 2-1 away to Atletico Madrid on September 20. Before that came wins over Elche (3-2 away) and Rayo Vallecano (4-1 at home). Sevilla's league run is more mixed. They drew 3-3 at Levante on October 12, lost 3-1 at home to Barcelona on September 19, and won 1-0 at Deportivo La Coruna and 1-0 at home against Valencia either side of that. Their six goals scored and six conceded across those four league games point to a side involved in open contests.

Schedule is the secondary consideration. Real Madrid played in the UEFA Champions League on October 14, winning 4-3 away at AS Roma, so they arrive with a European fixture in their recent workload. Sevilla's most recent match was the Levante draw on October 12, which gives them a different rhythm going into this game.

Neither side has any reported unavailable players, so both managers should have their full squads to choose from. That includes Real Madrid's attacking options and Sevilla's midfield and defensive units.

The head-to-head record is also notable. Real Madrid have won nine of the last ten meetings, with one draw, so Sevilla will be trying to break a long pattern.