Real Madrid vs Sevilla Preview: Mourinho's Side Without Vinícius at the Bernabéu

Madrid host an unbeaten-away Sevilla

Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday 18 October 2026 in LaLiga Matchday 9. Kick-off is at 10 pm Kenyan time (EAT).

Where the teams stand

Real Madrid are fourth with 18 points from eight games, with six wins and two defeats, and are nine points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona, who have 27. They arrive after a 4-3 win at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday 14 October and a 1-0 home win over Villarreal in LaLiga before that. José Mourinho is in charge.

Sevilla, coached by Luis García, are fifth with 14 points from eight games. They drew 3-3 at Levante on 12 October after a late equaliser. They are unbeaten away from home in the league this season, with two wins and two draws, their best away start since 2011-12.

Team news

Vinícius Júnior is suspended for Madrid while Raúl Asencio is injured. Madrid are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni among the key names. Sevilla have no injury reports or suspensions and are also expected to play a 4-2-3-1.

A one-sided history

Sevilla have lost 16 of their last 17 away league games at Real Madrid, with one draw, and they have not won in the Spanish capital since a 4-3 victory in December 2008. Madrid have won their last seven home league games. Madrid also won the most recent meeting, 1-0 away at Sevilla in May 2026.

There are personal records on both benches. Mourinho has won five of his six league games against Sevilla, and García has lost his last six league matches against Madrid. Mbappé has been involved in four goals in four league games against Sevilla, with three goals and an assist.

Sevilla's attack has produced chances away from home. Rubén Vargas had five shots in their draw at Levante, matching the best single-match away shot total by a Sevilla player since the start of last season. Probable line-up includes Youssouf Fofana, Lucien Agoumé and Kike Salas in the middle, with Robbie Ure among the attacking options. In their last six league away games against Madrid-region sides, Sevilla have taken points in four.

What to watch

There is an interesting pressing contrast. Madrid lead LaLiga with 17 shots following ball recoveries in advanced areas this season, while Sevilla lead the league with 87 such recoveries. With Vinícius out, Madrid will look to Mbappé and Bellingham for goals, while Sevilla will try to extend their unbeaten away run against a team that has dominated this fixture.

View our predictions for this match: Real Madrid vs Sevilla, Sunday 18th October 2026