Real Madrid vs. Sevilla: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Real Madrid's home match to Sevilla will bring to a close one of the more emotionally-draining weeks in the club's rich footballing history.

After triumphing over Barcelona 2-1 at the start of the week to claim the La Liga title, Real Madrid were then forced to watch with horror at home as they lost their spot in the UEFA Champions League final to Bayern Munich in a penalty shootout.

Emotional? More like a roller-coaster.

For Sevilla, they'll know the tough ask of taking on Madrid at home, but will also know that with little else to play for, they could be a chance at an upset here. Their hopes of playing European football next year have somewhat stalled with recent results, but could bounce back with a shock result here.

So with everything that you need to know and more right here—let's roll.

Where: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

When: Sunday, 29th April at 8 a.m. EST

Live stream: ESPN3

Last time these two met: Sevilla 2, Real Madrid 6

Back in December of 2011, Real Madrid took on Sevilla at home and absolutely wiped the floor with them. Some may say that 6-2 is not an adequate reflection of the match, and I would absolutely and completely agree with them.

An accurate reflection would have probably only included the one Sevilla goal, considering they found the back of the net in stoppage time.

Once again it was Cristiano Ronaldo for Los Blancos, who netted a hattrick in this match.

Interestingly, this match took place just after Real Madrid's 3-1 loss at home to Barcelona and to many, the 6-2 was viewed as Madrid exerting its frustration and disappointment at that result.

Their recent loss to Bayern Munich could well result in a similar performance from them in this one.

Big question: Just how hard are Real Madrid going to play?

With the La Liga trophy secure and no Champions League final to worry about, Real Madrid could very well take this one relatively easy and not churn out a championship performance.

They will be tired from playing 120 minutes against Bayern Munich, and will no doubt see this match as a chance to dominate possession and churn out a win, rather than blow Sevilla off the field.

After the first side playing so many minutes in the back end of the La Liga season to preserve their championship lead, Real Madrid could also rest some of their starters, with Karim Benzema already set to miss this one with an injury.

This match could give their starting side some welcome minutes on the sideline, and thus the question remains as to just how hard Real Madrid are going to play in this one.

Difference maker: Xabi Alonso

Behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Alonso has recorded the highest match rating throughout La Liga this season—with his eight assists and dominant midfield play, Alonso has been pulling the strings for Real Madrid's attack all season.

Alonso will seek to hold the midfield and dominate possession, frustrating the Sevilla defense until the right opportunity opens up for the hosts. He has only turned the ball over less than 10 times all season, and leads the team in both tackles per game and interceptions per game.

The attacking talent of Madrid is well-known, and Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain look set to continue their dominant ways again in this one, but without the midfield play of a player like Alonso, they would be nowhere near as effective and Madrid would not have the championship lead they have.

So for me, Alonso is the true difference maker in this one.

Hot stat to remember: Real Madrid at home

At the Bernabéu this season, Real Madrid, well, let's just say good luck stopping them.

They've scored at least three goals in all but three of their last 19 home matches in La Liga and have scored at least twice in all but one of their last eight matches at home to Sevilla.

Real Madrid have only been held scoreless once at home all season and are currently scoring at an average of 3.70 goals per game.

The list could go on and on, but the fact remains the same—Real Madrid are simply too dominant at home unless you're a genuine Champions League threat.

Which, no offense to Sevilla, but they're not, with their average of 0.88 goals per game in away matches this season.

Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Sevilla 1

A somewhat subdued scoreline for Madrid, who will no doubt give their substitutes significant game time in this one. Jose Mourinho will no doubt be disappointed with his side's mid-week efforts, but will be confident no doubt in their ability to bounce back with victory here.

Sevilla are no pushover, and they may very well challenge for that top six position, but they just won't be doing it in this one. They may find the back of the net—especially considering Madrid's defensive susceptibility lately—but expect the La Liga favorites to score more.

Higuain to grab a double, Ronaldo to net home a penalty and Kaka to score late as Real Madrid run out comfortable winners in the end.

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