Luka Modric played hero for Real Madrid, coming off the bench to score an impressive winner as Los Blancos snuck past a resilient Sevilla side. Carlo Ancelotti’s men seemed set to settle for a goalless draw, but Modric’s entry – and subsequent strike – secured all three points as they extended their lead atop La Liga with a 1-0 win.
Real thought they had taken the lead early on when Lucas Vazquez finished from close range. But his effort was chalked off after VAR determined that Nacho committed a foul in the build-up. They had further chances in the first half, as Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde also came close.
Madrid created more after the break, as Valverde smashed the post and Vinicius Jr curled one narrowly wide. Modric made the difference, though. The veteran midfielder reacted first to a poor defensive header and whipped a fine effort in off the post from outside the box with less than 10 minutes to play. Sevilla had their complaints – it seemed that Antonio Rudiger might have interfered with the play from an offside position – but the referee waved away their protestations.
Ancelotti might have wanted this to be more comfortable, especially at home. Still, a late winner spared any blushes – and showed why this might yet be a special season.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (6/10):
Largely untroubled. Only had one save to make.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Thought he had scored the opener, but saw his tidy finish chalked off. Full of legs down the right, but not much quality.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Won a handful of timely headers, and kept the ball moving nicely.
Nacho (6/10):
Committed a rather careless foul to see his team have a goal ruled out. Steady at the back, otherwise.
Ferland Mendy (7/10):
A few shows of strength snuffed out Sevilla attacks down his wing. He’s been excellent this season.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Very tidy on the ball in the first half, but a bit too eager in the second – which almost cost his team. Finished the game at centre-back.
Toni Kroos (8/10):
Almost talked himself into a red card in the first half. Dictated things from deep, barely misplaced a pass. Looked dangerous from a couple of set pieces. Constantly reliable.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Smashed a swerving effort on goal at the end of the first half. Hit the post early in the second. Looked dangerous in a more advanced role towards the end.
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
Lively in tight areas, went on a few eye-catching runs. Didn’t always make the right pass, though, and rather slowed down the Madrid attack at times.
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Attack
Rodrygo (6/10):
Lively on the ball, and created a few chances for himself. Often made the same run as Vinicius, though – making Madrid rather predictable.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Reached into his usual bag of tricks, and was devastating in one-on-ones. Forced a couple of tidy saves. Madrid’s most apparent threat throughout.
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Subs & Manager
Luka Modric (9/10):
Came off the bench and scored an outrageous goal to win it. Put in a crucial late tackle, too. Class.
Dani Ceballos (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Alvaro Rodriguez (N/A):
A late introduction.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Had the luxury of playing most of his starting XI in their natural positions – a rare feat given Los Blancos’ seven absentees. It was a largely frustrating one for his side, but Ancelotti got his subs right, bringing on the ageless Modric to secure a hard-fought win. The march to La Liga glory continues.
CC:Goal.com
