Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla: Highlights, Man of the Match, and Key Stats from La Liga Thriller at Bernabéu
First Half: An Early Sevilla Shock
Sevilla started the game with confidence, and it paid off early as Youssef En-Nesyri opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Madrid, the Moroccan striker coolly slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois, silencing the home crowd.
Real Madrid, however, responded in style. In the 22nd minute, Vinícius Jr. danced through Sevilla’s defense, delivering a pinpoint cross that Jude Bellingham converted with a deft finish to level the score. The goal injected energy into Madrid’s play, and their relentless pressure led to a second goal. Federico Valverde unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 38th minute, giving Madrid a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Drama and Decisive Moments
The second half saw Sevilla refuse to back down. Just five minutes after the restart, Lucas Ocampos restored parity with a sublime header off a corner. The Bernabéu crowd, though momentarily stunned, rallied behind their team.
Real Madrid’s response was swift and decisive. Rodrygo, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact. In the 67th minute, the Brazilian weaved through defenders and calmly finished to restore Madrid’s lead. Sevilla’s attempts to equalize again were thwarted by Courtois, who made a series of crucial saves.
The game was put to bed in the 84th minute when Luka Modrić, rolling back the years, delivered a sensational through ball to Vinícius Jr., who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home Madrid’s fourth. The Bernabéu erupted in celebration as the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
Man of the Match: Vinícius Jr.
Vinícius Jr. was the standout performer, orchestrating Madrid’s attack with pace, skill, and creativity. The Brazilian winger contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, constantly troubling Sevilla’s defense. His ability to unlock tight spaces and deliver in crucial moments earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.
Key Stats
- Possession: Real Madrid dominated with 64% possession compared to Sevilla’s 36%.
- Shots: Madrid registered 18 shots, 10 of which were on target, while Sevilla managed 10 shots with 5 on target.
- Pass Accuracy: Madrid had an 89% pass completion rate, showcasing their control in midfield.
- Corners: Sevilla had 5 corners, capitalizing on set pieces for one of their goals, while Madrid had 6 corners.
Tactical Insights
- Madrid’s Versatility in Attack:
Carlo Ancelotti’s side demonstrated their attacking depth, with contributions from wingers, midfielders, and substitutes. The fluidity in their approach made it difficult for Sevilla to contain them. - Sevilla’s Set-Piece Threat:
Sevilla exploited Madrid’s occasional vulnerability on set pieces, scoring through Ocampos. However, their defensive lapses proved costly. - Impact of Substitutions:
Rodrygo’s introduction turned the tide in Madrid’s favor. His pace and directness added a new dimension to the attack, underlining Ancelotti’s tactical acumen.
What This Means for the Season
Real Madrid’s victory solidifies their position at the top of La Liga, reaffirming their title credentials. The win also highlights the depth and quality of their squad, with players like Bellingham, Valverde, and Vinícius stepping up when it matters most.
For Sevilla, the defeat exposes areas that require improvement, particularly in defense. Despite their spirited performance, they were undone by Madrid’s clinical finishing and individual brilliance.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory. Meanwhile, Sevilla must regroup and address their defensive frailties if they are to climb the La Liga table.
The match at the Bernabéu was a reminder of why La Liga remains one of the most thrilling leagues in world football, delivering drama, quality, and unforgettable moments. For Madrid fans, this was a night to savor, as their team demonstrated once again why they are perennial contenders for the title.
