LIVE BLOG: Real Madrid vs Sevilla | LaLiga

Real Madrid hosts Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 9 of LaLiga. Without Vinícius Júnior and with El Clásico approaching, José Mourinho's side will look to close the six-point gap to Barcelona.

An OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD GOLAZO from Mbappé to make it 2-0

WHAT A GOAL from Arda Güler! The Turkish star scores with a spectacular strike to make it 1-0

Controversy! Güler narrowly avoids a red card after swinging his arm into an opponent's face

After 20 minutes, Madrid have been the better side, although Sevilla have had a chance

10 minutes played, and Madrid are looking more threatening

The match is underway

The lineups

Real Madrid Looks to Close the Gap on Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico

Real Madrid faces an important challenge this Sunday when it hosts Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu in a LaLiga Matchday 9 encounter.

The team managed by José Mourinho needs all three points to remain in the title race, as it currently sits six points behind Barcelona.

Los Blancos have recorded eight wins and two defeats across all competitions and enter the match with confidence after defeating Villarreal in LaLiga and completing a comeback victory over Roma in the UEFA Champions League.

However, the demanding schedule is beginning to take a physical toll on the squad, especially with El Clásico against Barcelona scheduled for October 25.

Mourinho acknowledged his players' fatigue but insisted that he has enough options to rotate the squad and maintain the team's competitive level.

Vinícius Will Be Real Madrid's Biggest Absence

One of the main talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Vinícius Júnior, who will serve the first game of his four-match suspension following his red card against Villarreal.

The Brazilian joins Raúl Asencio, who underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his right tibia, and Rodrygo, who has yet to return to full team training, on the sidelines.

With these absences, Arda Güler emerges as a strong candidate to return to the starting lineup, although Endrick, Carlos Espí, and Yan Diomande could also receive opportunities.

Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are expected to remain key figures in Real Madrid's attack.

Defensively, Mourinho could turn to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen, while also considering possible changes in midfield.

Sevilla Aims to End Its Long Winless Streak at the Bernabéu

Sevilla, managed by Luis García Plaza, enters the match in fifth place with 14 points and will look to upset one of the main contenders for the title.

The Andalusian side is coming off a 3-3 draw against Levante, a frustrating result after conceding the equalizer in the 100th minute.

The visitors will be without Miguel Sierra, Jon Guridi, and Isaac Romero, while Giorgi Kochorashvili remains doubtful. On a positive note, Lucas Stassin returns to the squad.

Recent history heavily favors Real Madrid, which has won nine of its last ten meetings against Sevilla.

The Andalusian club has not secured a victory at the Santiago Bernabéu since December 2008.