Real Madrid, visibly reeling after the 4-3 loss against Barca at this Sunday’s El Classico, has a tough away assignment against Sevilla on this Wednesday. Sevilla is in great recent form, having won all their last five La Liga games.

In a curious twist of football fate, the Europa League occasions a Seville derby. Sevilla should start as favourites to win the pre-quarterfinal game against Real Betis for two reasons. First, Betis is at the rock bottom of the La Liga – a sure-fire

In group h of the Europa League, three teams compete for the next round. Sevilla, Freiburg, and Slovan Liberec, all have a chance to advance to the next round, but only two places are available.

Sevilla had a morale-boosting 4-0 win over Real Betis in the derby match last week. They travel to Granada this weekend and hope to keep the feel good bubble alive for as many weeks as possible.

Some of the key players on either side will miss the first Seville derby of the new La Liga season. That will not diminish the enthusiasm of the passionate fans though.