Mariano hits it with venom, but once again Kjaer is there to block heroically.
90' +4
Real Madrid have a free-kick in a central position which Mariano is standing over. Can they claw one back?
90' +3
Sevilla are holding the ball wonderfully, passing it about the pitch and keeping it away from Madrid who are pressing to win it back. With only two minutes left, it looks like the home side have banked the three points!
90' +1
Roque Mesa enters the game and replaces É. Banega.
Ever Banega is removed after a wonderful evening to give Roque Mesa a chance to play.
87'
M. Díaz gets yellow.
Mariano is shown a yellow card for reaching out and striking Gomez with an arm during a physical battle for the ball.
85'
Nolito enters the game and replaces Guilherme Arana.
Guilherme Arana is unable to continue after picking up a knock and will be replaced by Nolito with five minutes remaining.
83'
Ceballos crosses it towards the far post but Kjaer – who has been in the perfect position all match – makes his presence felt once again with a booming headed clearance.
81'
FRANCO VAZQUEZ BLASTS IT OVER! Silva charges into the penalty area and makes his way up the right side where he attempts a centring pass which Courtois gets his gloves on – though he is unable to make the outright stop. Franco Vazquez charges into the box late and hammers the loose ball towards the goal from close range, but he sends his chance over the crossbar.
79'
Pablo Sarabia gets yellow.
The referee books Sarabia for a bad challenge in midfield on Ceballos.
Minute
Description
77'
Upon the restart after the water break, it is apparent that Marcelo will not feature any more after picking up a non-contact injury before the brief pause. As if things could not get any worse for Lopetegui’s side, they will have to finish the match with 10 men.
75'
Kroos takes his set-piece to the back post for Ramos who knocks it down for Bale. The Wales forward takes his shot with a half-volley but sends it past Vaclik’s right-hand post.
74'
É. Banega gets yellow.
Ever Banega receives a yellow card for having a nibble at the heel of Ceballos. This gives Real Madrid a real chance to put the ball in the box.
72'
Marcelo has the ball at his feet on the left wing and stops abruptly after appearing to experience a non-contact injury. The full-back is limping but he must continue as Madrid have already used their three substitutes.
70'
Dani Ceballos enters the game and replaces L. Modrić.
Luka Modric will play no further part in this match as he comes off for Dani Ceballos who will try to make his mark on the match with 20 minutes remaining.
69'
Q. Promes enters the game and replaces W. Ben Yedder.
Quincy Promes comes off the bench to make another substitute appearance – replacing Wissam Ben Yedder.
67'
Ramos is venturing further forward now as Real Madrid search for their first goal. He finds Mariano inside with a pass but the striker’s pass out for Marcelo is put too far ahead and rolls out for a Sevilla throw-in.
65'
L. Modrić gets yellow.
The frustration is mounting for the Real Madrid players as Luka Modric finds his way into the referee's book for his protestations.
64'
T. Kroos gets yellow.
Toni Kroos is shown a yellow card for a cynical tackle in midfield.
63'
Despite still pushing forward and causing panic amongst the Madrid ranks, Sevilla’s midfield are now not opposed to slowing down play and passing backwards. They’ve made it an hour into the match without conceding, and now it looks like Machin’s instructions are of a more cautious nature.
61'
Asensio swings the ball into the box but Kjaer is well-placed to get a head to it. He has been very lacklustre today, with Sevilla completely stifling Madrid’s creativity. Perhaps he can strike up a better rapport in the final 30 minutes with Mariano.
59'
M. Díaz enters the game and replaces K. Benzema.
Lucas Vázquez enters the game and replaces Nacho.
The Real Madrid manager has seen enough of his central striker and chooses to replace him. Mariano comes on for Benzema.
Lopetegui sends Lucas Vazquez in for Nacho in a very attacking substitution.
58'
CHAOS IN THE AREA! It’s Bale who comes to the rescue after a centring pass from Sarabia is met by Silva who directs his shot towards Courtois. The goalkeeper’s save isn’t clean and invites pressure from Ben Yedder, but Bale throws himself in the way to lay down a block which keeps the ball out of the net. Incredible! It could have been 3-1 moments ago, and now it really should be 4-0 instead!
57'
Modric takes a corner to Ramos who meets the service with an audacious overhead kick which misses the target – much to the joy of the home faithful in the stands.
55'
Unfortunate for Real Madrid who thought they had reduced the deficit, Modric was indeed offside when receiving the pass. It was a delightful chip by the Croatia international, but VAR saves the day for the home side.
51'
Silva wins a corner after his shot is blocked by Ramos and Banega takes the set-piece. It’s a low-driven cross to the penalty area but Kroos gets enough of a touch on the ball to send it out of the area.
49'
Arana intercepts a Modric pass on the left wing and pushes forward all the way to the Madrid penalty area where he’s dispossessed by Marcelo.
48'
Sevilla were wonderful in attack during the first half, but how will they react in a position to defend a lead? Machin’s side are not known for their defensive shape despite what we’ve seen so far in this match – so there is no reason to believe that the goals have dried up.
46'
Real Madrid take the kick-off and get the match back underway!
45' +3
HALF-TIME: SEVILLA 3-0 REAL MADRID.
45' +2
Kroos takes a last-moment corner to Benzema who swings a leg at it. His volley is popped high into the air for Vaclik to catch, though he and Kjaer miscommunicate and the ball bobbles loose. Bale is first to it but he sends his shot over the open net and into the stands!
45' +1
Kroos takes an out-swinger but it evades all his team-mates and falls to Ben Yedder who puts in a great defensive clearance.
45'
It’s Ramos who takes the free-kick and he puts his effort into the well-placed wall and out for a corner.
43'
Casemiro is taken down by Banega in a central position and perhaps this is the chance Madrid need to get back into the match.
41'
Real Madrid will be looking to just get to half-time as this has become a bit of an embarrassment for the visitors. They knew they had a chance to take sole possession of first place before the match, and they’ve seemingly squandered that opportunity within the first half!
39'
W. Ben Yedder has scored a goal for Sevilla! Assist by F. Vázquez.
A lovely bit of creativity from the volley lands Vazquez an assist for Ben Yedder's goal.
BEN YEDDER MAKES IT THREE! Unbelievable scenes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Sevilla find the net yet again! A short corner-kick routine allows Banega to deliver the ball into the box from a different angle. Varane meets the cross with a clearing header but only finds Vazquez just outside the penalty area. The midfielder volleys a pass forward and finds Ben Yedder onside! From there, the striker smashes his shot past Courtois! 3-0 Sevilla.
38'
Real Madrid look slightly lost as they lose possession in midfield and give away a sloppy throw-in. Machin’s side are really frustrating Los Merengues who have not troubled Vaclik as often as they would like.
34'
F. Vázquez gets yellow.
Vazquez is shown a yellow card for a slide tackle on Bale in order to stop the counter-attack.
33'
Banega works his way into the box after getting past three separate Real Madrid defenders, but his shot doesn't get through the packed six-yard box and the visitors can hook it clear and reorganize.
32'
An extremely hot night in Sevilla has warranted a quick pause in play for hydration.
31'
Kroos decides to just have a strike after not finding any options to pass to. With a quick shift of weight, he moves forward towards goal and curls an effort to the far post which misses its target.
29'
Kroos looks to threat a ball through midfield to Modric, but Franco Vazquez intercepts swiftly and launches his side forward yet again. Madrid are having a really difficult time getting through the centre of the pitch as Sevilla have made a concerted effort to force their opponents wide.
27'
G. Bale gets yellow.
A first booking of the match goes the way of Gareth Bale for jumping through the back of Franco Vazquez during an aerial duel.
25'
There’s been no stop to the action in this match as these two sides have been going at it full-tilt since the first minute. Both these teams look like scoring every time they get forward and we are certain to see a few more goals – in this half alone.
23'
BALE STRIKES THE POST! A very casual shot from Bale whose attempt from outside the penalty area beats the outstretched hand of Vaclik but doesn’t beat the post as it ricochets back out and gets cleared by a Sevilla defender.
21'
André Silva has scored a goal for Sevilla!
IT’S A BRACE FOR SILVA! Real Madrid have fallen apart on the counter-attack! A Madrid corner-kick is cleared by Sevilla who get it immediately to Navas on the right who busts a gut to get into the penalty area. The captain fires a shot at Courtois who parries it right into the centre of the penalty area for Silva who arrived in the area slightly after Navas. Another simple tap-home finish for the Portugal striker who needs one more for the hat-trick.
19'
Asensio looks to hit back immediately, lofting a ball into the box for Varane who nods it down for Benzema. The striker has his back to goal and cannot turn to fire at Vaclik, with Kjaer applying pressure.
17'
André Silva has scored a goal for Sevilla! Assist by Jesús Navas.
Captain Navas is given the assist for Silva's goal as his centring pass allowed for an easy finish!
SEVILLA OPEN THE SCORING! Sarabia steals the ball from Casemiro in midfield after a sloppy pass from Marcelo and he immediately looks up and sends an incisive pass into the channel for Navas who gets into the penalty area and squares it for Silva! From inside the six-yard box, it is an easy finish for the Portugal international! 1-0 Sevilla!
16'
BEN YEDDER SENDS IT OVER! The striker gets into the penalty area with the ball and shifts his weight to one side, opening some space before putting it on his other foot and sending his effort high into the sky!
15'
Navas sends a cross in which is deflected by the leg of Marcelo. Nacho is called into action at the back post and rises to nod the ball over the crossbar from on the goal line!
14'
This is the first match for Modric since being awarded the honour of FIFA Best Player of the Year. Will the influential Croatia captain make his mark on a very important domestic fixture? If anyone can break down this packed Sevilla midfield – it’s Modric.
12'
Varane looks to play a pass from the back, spraying it forward for Modric to chase. The ball is too powerful for the midfielder to latch onto however and Vaclik can take a goal-kick.
10'
Navas chips the ball into the box for Ben Yedder who is once again in the right position – this time at the near post. The striker swivels and hits a shot, but the accuracy is lacking.
8'
Banega takes a free-kick from halfway into the area but a last-ditch clearance is made. Gomez picks up the ball and puts a cross into the back post for Ben Yedder who connects but fails to beat Courtois.
6'
Sarabia uses his left foot to curl the ball into the penalty area, but the set-piece is very flat, and Benzema is there to make the defensive clearance. Sevilla recycle the ball to the left for Sarabia once again, whose shot is poor and fails to trouble Courtois.
5'
Nacho trips Arana up on the edge of the penalty area and gives Sevilla a free-kick in a dangerous position.
4'
This match is a real chance for Madrid to put some distance between themselves and Barcelona, who lost 2-1 to Leganes earlier today. A win for the away side would elevate them to sole possession of first place – three points above their Catalan rivals.
2'
Quick start for Sevilla as Silva gets in behind the defence and takes a shot on goal which is deflected out for a corner.
1'
Real Madrid get the match underway from the kick-off!
Hello and welcome to our LIVE LaLiga commentary of the fixture between Sevilla and Real Madrid at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan!
Sevilla have rebounded nicely in recent days since back-to-back LaLiga defeats to Betis in the derby and Getafe. A 5-1 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League last midweek and a 6-2 thrashing of Levante on Sunday have brought Los Rojiblancos back amongst the goals.
Since the UEFA Super Cup, Real Madrid have only been denied victory once in all competitions – a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. Los Merengues took full advantage of Barcelona’s draw on the weekend and squeaked by Espanyol thanks to another crucial contribution from Marco Asensio. The win brought Madrid level with Barcelona on 13 points, but behind on goal difference.
Sevilla’s resurgent strikers will be pitted today against Lopetegui’s defence which has conceded only once in their last three matches in all competitions. It would not be surprising to see attacking intent win out over resilience and organisation at the Sanchez Pizjuan, as these two squads have averaged just shy of five goals per match in their last 19 meetings.
Real Madrid Starting XI (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Nacho, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio.
Sevilla Substitutes: Borja Lasso, Nolito, Luis Muriel, Joris Gnagnon, Juan Soriano, Quincy Promes, Roque Mesa.
Sevilla Starting XI (3-5-2): Tomas Vaclik; Sergi Gomez, Simon Kjaer, Daniel Carrico; Guilherme Arana, Franco Vazquez, Ever Banega, Pablo Sarabia, Jesus Navas; Wissam Ben Yedder, Andre Silva.
With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, the team news has been confirmed! Let's start with the home side!
Lopetegui makes three alterations from the starting line-up that scraped past Espanyol 1-0 last Saturday. Marcelo takes his place at left-back, pushing Nacho to the right and dropping Odriozola to the bench. Kroos replaces Ceballos in midfield and in attack, a bout of appendicitis has made Isco unavailable which allows Bale to start.
Machin makes only one change from the side that hammered Levante 6-2 on Sunday – Arana enters the XI at left wing-back in place of Aleix Vidal.
Real Madrid Substitutes: Dani Ceballos, Keylor Navas, Jesus Vallejo, Marcos Llorente, Vinicius Junior, Mariano, Lucas Vazquez.
Juan Pablo Machin’s side are looking for a third consecutive win – but it won’t be easy against the reigning three-time European champions. If the hosts are to take anything away from their clash with Madrid, they will need Wissam Ben Yedder to continue his incredible form. A purple patch that has seen the striker net five times in two games, including the century’s first-ever first-half LaLiga hat-trick.
It has been a simply unbelievable first 45 for Sevilla who find themselves three goals ahead thanks to a double from Silva and a Ben Yedder contribution. The packed midfield has frustrated and confused Real Madrid who are constantly out of passing options – which feeds perfectly into Sevilla’s counter-attacking style. Navas and Arana on the flanks have not put a foot wrong all match, with the first two goals a direct result of the fantastic play of the Rojiblancos captain.
Real Madrid don’t quite know what has hit them. Kroos and Modric have been anonymous as they continuously search for attacking outlets that simply aren’t there. Bale’s strike which hit the woodwork is as close as they’ve come, despite having an exorbitant amount of possession. Lopetegui is going to have to change things during the break – which the manager can do considering his wealth of options on the bench.
Though they had ample opportunities to score, anything but a loss would have been very kind to Real Madrid who were not able to respond to Sevilla’s compact and rigid midfield. There didn’t seem to be a plan B from Lopetegui’s side despite tons of possession and numerous attacking options from the bench. It was a poor night from Los Meringues who have missed their opportunity to take the top spot in LaLiga.
That concludes our commentary of the LaLiga fixture between Sevilla and Real Madrid! We hope you enjoyed it and see you all again soon.
Sevilla will look to continue their run of form on Saturday when they visit Eibar. Real Madrid have another difficult task on the weekend when they host rivals Atletico Madrid.
It’s a famous result for Sevilla who continue their winning run, doing so in style with three goals. The damage was done in the first half, with Andre Silva’s double and Wissam Ben Yedder’s finish six minutes before half-time the difference. Though Los Rojiblancos pushed forward in the second, they had no need to score and played with a much more controlled tempo in order to protect the lead. From the first minute to the last, Machin’s side were clearly in the ascendancy – and they fully deserve their victory tonight.
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