The 'Clásico' Starts T*oday

*Real defend the top spot in Seville
The league leaders are facing a crunch game in Sevilla. And once it is over, all that will be left is the 'Clásico' with the longest build-up in recent times. There will be two weeks to go before the Real Madrid vs. Barcelona game, but the exact circumstances of the match will be decided this very night.
Sevilla are taking to the stage first. They have always been highly motivated by the most demanding games. Just over a month ago, Luis Enrique's Barcelona were forced into submission in Nervión, and Sevilla are the sort of team that really rise to the occasion.
This should be warning enough for Real Madrid. Although they won at San Mamés, they have only been able to manage draws in the other two big away games on the calendar: in Paris and at the Calderón. Benítez's side will be the favourites, given that they are getting back on track and have more options available to them as their treatment rooms become less crowded.
James Rodríguez and Gareth Bale are expected to feature, although 'Los Blancos' will be without Keylor Navas and Marcelo - both cornerstones of this unbeaten Real Madrid side.
They will also be without Karim Benzema, who incidentally scored one of his best ever goals at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Rafa Benítez came out and publicly backed his player after the Valbuena case interfered with his recovery. The Frenchman will end up being out of action for six weeks, with today marking a month since his injury and another two weeks still to go before the 'Clásico'.

 --MARCA.com