Julen Lopetegui returned in Madrid with a well prepared team and lots of quality. Sevilla played a great match and not only put Real in difficulty many times but also appeared as a potential winner of the match even why in the overall performance Real Madrid looked like the better teram. On the other hand Ancelotti tried to put on the pitch his best options but not everything worked well as some of the players were not in their best days. However, he did the best with his substitutions as they gave Madrid more energy and intensity which was something very important to help achieve the victory.
In this match most the players did not make great performances but however Benzema and Vinicius (which were among those) found a way to leave the mark in this important match. Meanwhile Courtois proved himself another time as he was crucial in some moment and especially at the end as Real was trying to defend the advantage. Militao, Alaba and Kroos were as well among those who played quite a great game. Below are the ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 9.0
The Belgian goalkeeper is performing at least one miracle per match. A momentous save in the 93rd minute helped Real Madrid maintain the victory.
Dani Carvajal: 3.0
A night to forget for Dani Carvajal. He struggled with the movement and interchange between Papu Gomez, Acuna, and Rakitic. Had a number of sloppy giveaways, including a square pass to Militao which was under hit and intercepted by Sevilla leading to a dangerous counter attack.
Eder Militao: 8.0
Another monstrous performance in the backline. Team high of three interceptions, team high of 7 clearances, and team high of 6 aerial duels won. Rating would have been higher had he not lost track of Rafa Mir on Sevilla’s opening goal from a corner kick.
David Alaba: 7.5
Did not show any signs of impact from his knee injury. Provided a vital goal line clearance in the first half.
Ferland Mendy: 8.0
One of Ferland Mendy’s best games on the ball. Had 6 completed dribbles, 3 of which were likely completed in one sequence where he showed off with a roulette and an L-turn to beat 3 players. Did fight to compete with the offensive threat of Lucas Ocampos.
Casemiro: 4.0
Improved in the second half, but was poor in the first half. Poor control on the ball and under hit passes led to a number of lost possessions and dangerous counter attacking opportunities for Sevilla.
Toni Kroos: 7.0
Was crucial in switching the field of attack and hit Carvajal with a number of inch-perfect cross field long balls.
Luka Modric: 5.0
Uncharacteristically quiet performance form the Croatian. Seemed fatigued and was taken off in the second half.
Marco Asensio: 4.0
Took two shots with his thunderous left foot, one at the top of the box right at the end of the half — which he should have gotten on target. The other, a moment where he likely should have passed to Benzema on the counter.
Vinicius Junior: 8.0
Despite not playing well for large stretches of the match, the moment arrived and Vinicius took it. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Vinicius Junior’s goal rifled into the upper 90 and won 3 points for Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema: 6.5
Like Vinicius, it was a game where Benzema struggled to have his usual impact. Despite the staunch defending from Sevilla, the French striker pounced on Bono’s mistake. Benzema’s goal was his 11th in La Liga as he continues to march on in the race for the Pichichi.
Substitutions:
Eduardo Camavinga: 7.0
Brought much needed energy and drive to the midfield. Won some fouls and helped circulate possession in search of a winning goal.
Fede Valverde: 7.0
Replaced Marco Asensio on the right wing, and like Camavinga, brought an upgrade in intensity and match pace to a Real Madrid team looking in need of a pick me up.
Nacho—N/A: Played the final few minutes of the match to help secure the victory.
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