Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Sevilla tonight, with three points essential to their La Liga ambitions.
Their arch-rivals Barcelona appear unstoppable on the pitch, and Los Blancos must be at their best to ensure the six-point gap does not grow.
Meanwhile, their increasingly bitter confrontation with La Liga president Javier Tebas continues off the pitch.
According to Diario SPORT, Jose Mourinho’s side enter the fixture under considerable pressure following their dramatic 4-3 Champions League comeback against Roma.
With RB Leipzig and Barcelona awaiting, Madrid cannot afford another unconvincing performance.
Mourinho faces important selection decisions
Vinicius Junior begins his four-match suspension following his dismissal against Villarreal, forcing Mourinho to reconsider his attacking line-up.
Yan Diomande could receive another opportunity, although Endrick and Carlos Espi have also strengthened their claims through recent contributions.
Jose Mourinho faces an important game against Sevilla. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There is encouraging news in defence, with Eder Militao returning to the squad after 181 days out. Dean Huijsen is also available again following suspension.
However, midfield remains Mourinho’s biggest tactical dilemma. The manager could look to shake things up by starting Bernardo Silva or Eduardo Camavinga in place of one of his regular midfielders.
Sevilla will provide a serious test. Luis Garcia Plaza’s side remain unbeaten away from home this season, collecting eight points from four matches.
Nevertheless, Madrid have won every home league fixture so far, and Sevilla have not secured a La Liga victory at the Bernabeu since 2008.
Madrid’s battle with Tebas continues
Tensions between Real Madrid and Javier Tebas have intensified following the La Liga president’s controversial comparison involving Nazi-era propaganda methods.
Madrid have demanded his resignation and highlighted international criticism of his remarks. Tebas continues to maintain that he has done nothing wrong.
Madrid are facing a battle with Javier Tebas. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images For Sportel)
The dispute deserves proper attention, particularly given the responsibility attached to Tebas’ position.
However, Madrid’s sporting ambitions cannot become secondary to institutional disagreements.
Mourinho’s team have shown remarkable resilience, but repeatedly needing dramatic comebacks is hardly a sustainable strategy.
Against Sevilla, Madrid need greater midfield control and a more convincing collective performance.
Madrid are fighting battles on multiple fronts at the moment, but a convincing victory against Sevilla should go a long way towards calming nerves.
It remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Sevilla tonight and whether they can carry that momentum into an important week ahead.