Cristiano Ronaldo topples Sevilla’s fortress

Real Madrid came through their test at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán with a 2-3 win over Sevilla FC in one of the most exciting clashes served up on matchday 35 of the Liga BBVA.

In the first 45, two minutes was all it took Cristiano Ronaldo to plunder two goals late in the half and change the course of the game. After a furious start to the match in which both sides attacked ruthlessly and showed themselves to be intent on victory, it was Real Madrid who enjoyed better fortune in front of goal. A header by the Portuguese forward from Isco’s cross, and another strike after Javier Hernández 'Chicharito' had nodded on, saw los blancos move 2-0 ahead. However, Sergio Ramos’ foul on Aleix Vidal earned Sevilla a penalty on the stroke of half time, with Carlos Bacca converting to bring los hispalenses back into it and set up an enthralling second half.

After the break, the chances continued to come apace as the areas of Sergio Rico and Iker Casillas saw moments of excitement. The Madrid defence withstood the attacks of Unai Emery’s men well, protecting their lead against a Sevilla outfit that did not shoot on target as frequently as in the first half. Ronaldo’s far-post header made it 1-3, but that did not prove the end of the scoring. After 79’, Vicente Iborra again cut the deficit for the home side, paving the way for a grandstand finale and several chances that could have altered the outcome of the game. But Madrid held out and came away with three vital points with three Liga BBVA matchdays left.