A frustrating result keeps Madrid away from the 1st place...

On Sunday night Real Madrid were unable to take top spot in LaLiga. A draw against Sevilla at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium in a very difficult match where the opponent pressed and played a great football. The result left Atletico Madrid top of the standings with three games to go on 77 points, two ahead of second-placed Real and third-placed Barcelona. Sevilla remained fourth on 71 points.

The stalemate at the Camp Nou earlier that day offered title holders Real the chance to top the standings and leave their fate in their own hands although they went into the game in low spirits after their Champions League semifinal exit to Chelsea on Wednesday. Real coach Zinedine Zidane shook his starting 11 up by dropping Eden Hazard after the Belgian's poor display in the 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge and was without captain Sergio Ramos, ruled out with injury in a season riddled with fitness setbacks. Marcelo, who sat out the UEFA Champions League semi-final exit against Chelsea in midweek, returned with Alvaro Odriozola and Federico Valverde.

Sevilla started strong against Zidane's men, but it was the Whites who had the first chance of the game as Benzema's header was disallowed after an accurate cross by Odriozola, with VAR cancelling out the goal. The side pressed on in search of the opener as Benzema stole the ball inside the area, but his pass wasn't turned home. Sevilla took the lead with 21 minutes on the clock thanks to Fernando who was on target after a Sevilla free-kick. There was a long time left to play and Vini Jr on two occasions, Benzema and Casemiro all went in search of an equaliser for Real Madrid who ended the first half camped in the visitors’ half.

After the restart both sides went close with long-range strikes - first Acuña for the visitors and then Modrić forced Bono into a save from the edge of the area. Madrid piled on the pressure but Sevilla remained resolute and limited the hosts to shots from distance, notably Nacho and Casemiro. Vini Jr. then struck the post after a fine ball in from Kroos, before Zidane brought on Asensio and Miguel. Real improved significantly in the second half and levelled through Marco Asensio in the 67th. The Majorcan scored with his first touch after a fluid move involving Benzema and another fine pass from Kross to bring the Whites on the deserved level.

But however, the game swung back in Sevilla's favour in an extraordinary turn of events. There more twists were still to come. On 74’, a Sevilla corner kick struck Militão’s shoulder and then his hand, when the defender had his back to the ball. The play continued and Madrid burst down the other end with Benzema being played in one-on-one with Bono. The Frenchman rounded the keeper, was hauled down and the referee pointed to the spot. But the VAR then told the match official a penalty was to be awarded for the handball by Militão and Rakitic duly converted to make it 2-1 to the visitors. It was a real hammer blow to Madrid but the hosts were not to be deterred and continued to apply the pressure on the Sevilla goal. They got their reward in the 94th minute when Kroos fired in a low strike from distance and the ball deflected into the net off Hazard. Real Madrid continued their attempts to take the three points in the remaining time (about one minute) but there was certainly not enough time to do more. The only dangerous attempt was taken by Casemiro, whose side-footet effort went inches wide in the dying seconds. The result was not positive for Real Madrid but that point keeps Madrid’s title hopes alive.

Player ratings:

Starting XI:

Thibaut Courtois — 7: Wasn’t tested too much in goal but will be frustrated not to keep a clean sheet. Couldn’t do anything for the penalty, either. Finished with 87 per cent pass completion and one save.

Alvaro Odriozola — 7: One of the better games Odriozola has had in recent weeks. Acted as an attacking outlet for Real Madrid in the first half and put in a plethora of crosses. Also kept his pace up throughout the entire match. Finished with two dribbles, two tackles and one key pass.

Eder Militão — 5.5: This is lower than anticipated as Militão had a decent performance up until the handball in the box. It was a clear one, yes, as well as a costly one, but it’s worth noting it shouldn’t erase all the work he’s done for the club lately. Simply an unfortunate event. Finished with one shot and one tackle.

Nacho — 6.5: Decent performance tonight. Nothing too spectacular but got the job done. Partnered well with Militão and wasn’t afraid to move up into the final third. Finished with 95 per cent pass completion, one shot, one aerial won and one key pass.

Marcelo — 6.75: Captained the side tonight in the absence of Sergio Ramos and also had a decent showing. Finished with one shot, three key passes and three tackles. Subbed after 66 minutes.

Casemiro — 8: Played most of the match on a yellow card which forced him to be more cautious but was crucial in terms of maintaining possession and positioned himself all over the pitch. Finished with 90 per cent pass completion, four shots, one aerial won and two tackles.

Toni Kroos — 9: The best player of the night for the hosts (a usual statement). Led Madrid’s attack and kept them moving up top. Teed up a great chance for Vini, assisted Asensio’s goal and forced the tying goal. Finished with 95 per cent pass completion, one shot, one tackle and three key passes.

Luka Modric — 7.5: Like Kroos, Modric was instrumental in this match. Linked up with his midfield partner for the time he was on. Finished with 91 per cent pass completion, one key pass, two shots and one dribble. Subbed after 66 minutes.

Fede Valverde — 7.5: Earned a surprise start tonight up top on the right-wing and was very quiet in the first half. However, had a good defensive performance and eventually came alive after moving into the midfield when Asensio came on. Finished with 93 per cent pass completion, one shot, one aerial, two key passes and three tackles.

Karim Benzema — 8: Got off to a brilliant start after his thumping header found the back of the net but VAR ruled it off (just). Crucial in the build-up for Asensio’s goal and was again the victim of VAR after seeing his penalty disregarded. Continues to be Madrid’s attacking focal point. Finished with one shot, two dribbles and three key passes.

Vini Jr. — 6.75: It feels as though this is said after every performance, but Vinicius’ poor finishing eclipsed the rest of his performance. Missed an opportunity in front but it was a hard one to control. Later on, had a beautiful play to send Benzema on his breakaway. Again, needs to find the finishing touch we know he has but compensated with great stats. Finished with 93 per cent pass completion, three shots, three dribbles, two key passes and two tackles. Subbed after 79 minutes.

Substitutes:

Marco Asensio — 7.5: Talk about a super sub. Came on and immediately made an impact after linking up with Kroos and scoring the club’s first goal. Looked alert for the time he was on the pitch. Finished with one shot, 91 per cent pass completion and one dribble.

Miguel Gutiérrez — 6.5: Came on for Marcelo in a straight swap and had a decent showing. Looks to be another Castilla member quietly earning his spot within the senior team. Finished with one dribble.

Eden Hazard — 6.75: Dropped to the bench tonight after the Champions League clash with Chelsea. Had roughly 15 minutes to make an impact and in the end, somehow forced Kroos’ shot to deflect off Diego Carlos and level it for Madrid. Needs to have a better performance on an individual note, though (especially when the team need a goal). Finished with one dribble.

The outcome;

Besides the positive ratings and the effort the players put on the pitch it is very difficult not to notice that Real Madrid is not having a really great period. The end of the season is always hard when the team is in the race to win the championship. It seems like whenever Real Madrid are close to achieving an objective, they lack the proper mentality to approach the challenges and even why they do really not fail, they still don't get the most of what is desired to be achieved. This is very frustrating for the team, the coach, the club and especially the fans. There are many reasons that force Madrid make false steps when facing the rivals including the lack of a complete team (due to injuries but also due to poor transfer windows), lack of confidence, lack of a proper preparation (psychological or physical) and sometimes also lack of luck...! Zidane’s boys still have a chance to get La Liga but it seems even more difficult considering the little number of matches left and considering that Real Madrid in this moment does not have any guarantees...