Sevilla leave the Bernabéu with no reward

Last season's two European trophy winners had anticipated an exciting game in their postponed Liga BBVA matchday 16 encounter, and they weren't mistaken. Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC gave the fans a pulsating match that ended in a 2-1 victory for los blancos.

The mindset and tactical set-up with which los hispalenses took to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch surprised Carlo Ancelotti's men and, in the opening minutes, Madrid were far from comfortable.

Sevilla enjoyed the better chances, but Real Madrid’s attack was the more clinical of the two. And in the first ball into Beto’s area, James Rodríguez opened the scoring to settle the hosts.

It was a state of calm that did not last long, because Unai Emery's side remained persistent and were close to levelling the clash with numerous opportunities. After a brief pause in play due to an injury to Sevilla's goalkeeper, Jesé Rodríguez scored Madrid’s second, lashing in on the counter-attack.

The break gave the Andalusians a chance to recharge and take on board that if they wanted to turn the match around, they had to continue in the same vein as the first half. They put together good moves and created openings in the box, but lacked cutting edge in front of goal.

However, the entrance of Iago Aspas brought about a change, the forward coming on after 65 minutes and putting his team back in it with a goal on 80'. His strike gave hope to Sevilla in the final stages and caused nerves among Ancelotti’s charges, but the match ended with 2-1 on the scoreboard. The three points stay in Madrid.