Xabi Alonso set to call up three Real Madrid prospects for Sevilla clash | OneFootball

In what has been a turbulent year, Real Madrid will look to close 2025 on a positive note as they take on Sevilla on Saturday, the team’s final match of the year.

The club are coming on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win over Talavera in the Copa Del Rey, where the team struggled despite fielding a relatively strong lineup.

Now, the focus shifts to the Sevilla game, which remains a must-win affair for the team and for Xabi Alonso, who is not out of the woods yet.

Xabi Alonso betting big on youth players

However, a recent report from MARCA has highlighted that Alonso, regardless of his situation at Real Madrid, is not shying away from taking risks heading into the final match of the year.

Indeed, the Spanish tactician is betting on some of the academy players heading into the Sevilla game, some of whom featured in the midweek contest against Talavera.

The likes of David Jimenez, Jorge Cestero and Thiago Pitarch all remain part of Real Madrid’s first-team as the squad continues to grapple with injuries.

Xabi Alonso may field a few youngsters against Sevilla. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Although they might not necessarily start against Sevilla, Alonso has kept them in their plans, and it won’t be surprising to see them making appearances against Los Nervionenses.

Alonso has shown in the past that he is not afraid to shy away from giving youngsters the opportunity to prove themselves at the highest stage.

With Real Madrid still missing out on select top players due to injuries or lack of fitness, Sevilla game could serve as an ideal platform for select youth players.

Cestero, Pitarch and Jimenez have already shown immense promise during their time in the academy and it will be interesting to see whether or not they make an appearance against Sevilla.

However, not all players will be part of the setup against Sevilla as both Victor Valdepenas, who Alonso recently apologised to, and Joan Martinez set to return to Alvaro Arbeloa’s Castilla setup this weekend.