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Sevilla logo
La Liga
Jan 15, 2017 at 7.45pm UK
 
Real Madrid logo

2-1

Ramos (85' og.), Jovetic (91')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Ronaldo (67' pen.)

Live Commentary: Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of the La Liga encounter between Sevilla and Real Madrid.
2

Real Madrid's 40-match unbeaten run has ended after two goals in the final 10 minutes saw them lose against Sevilla.

Los Blancos were set for victory and a five-point lead at the top of La Liga after Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot.

However, Sergio Ramos's own-goal and an injury-time strike from Stevan Jovetic ended the record streak and moved Sevilla into second place, above Barcelona.

Relive all the action with Sports Mole's text commentary.


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Hello and welcome to live commentary as two of La Liga main contenders, Sevilla and Real Madrid, do battle at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

On Thursday, Sevilla showed fighting spirit as they tried to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Los Blancos. In the end, Karim Benzema's last-gasp strike ensured that the six-goal thriller finished even.

While Sevilla will be hoping to go one better this evening, Real are expected to welcome a number of stars, including a shy and retiring Cristiano Ronaldo, who was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year last week.

So, without further ado, let's bring you all the latest team news from Andalusia.

SEVILLA XI: Rico, Esuedero, Rami, Mariano, Pareja, Vitolo, Nasri, N'Zonzi, Vazquez, Iborra, Ben Yedder

REAL MADRID XI: Navas, Nacho, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo, Benzema


Well, not surprisingly, Ronaldo and Benzema return to the starting lineup. Modric, Carvajal, Varane and Navas also play for Zidane's side. Similarly, the likes of Nasri and N'Zonzi are restored to Sampaoli's first XI.

Interestingly, Nacho is playing alongside Varane and Ramos. I think there is scope for Real to play three at the back with Marcelo and Carvajal perhaps playing in a more advanced wing-back role. Stevan Jovetic is again on the bench of Sevilla, despite coming off the bench to score against Real earlier this week.

Jorge Sampaoli is expecting an improved Real this evening, but the Chilean is hoping that fans and players will make it a "unbearable" experience for the visitors.

He told reporters: "We know the game will not be the same because Real Madrid will learn from what happened on Thursday when we almost won.

"Tomorrow will be more demanding for us, but I hope we have the same willingness to go at them from the start and make the game unbearable for Real Madrid, knowing all our fans will be very motivated."

Jorge Sampaoli of Chile looks on during the international friendly match between Chile and Iraq at the Brondby Stadium on August 14, 2013© Getty Images


Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane has suggested that he will expect Real to show more hunger, but is still expecting a test from Sevilla.

"Our plan is to keep the ball, but Sevilla will make life hard for us," Zidane told reporters.

"We'll have to wait and see how it pans out, but they'll definitely make it difficult and we'll have to dig deep, but they will as well. The crucial thing is that we show our hunger, character and give it everything we've got."


While Thursday's game might have been seen as a dead rubber, with Real in a commanding lead, their late revival at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan saw them make history. The 3-3 draw was Los Blancos 40th without defeat, the longest unbeaten run by a Spanish team.

Although the Copa del Rey tie in midweek saw Los Merengues concede three. Real have generally boasted a mean defence, conceding 14 goals in 16 games. Only Villarreal have conceded fewer this term.

While the European champions have been unbeaten in the league all season, Sevilla have also hit form. They haven't lost since the start of December and have swept aside the likes of Celta Vigo and Malaga in that time.

Sampaoli's side become a fearsome outfit in La Liga, as demonstrated by their league position. However, Los Rojiblancos are proving to be more of a force in the second half of games. Indeed, the Andalusians would have 14 points fewer if matches ended at half time. So, if Sevilla are still in the contest at the interval, Real's record could be in peril.

In terms of attacking threat, Sevilla will look to former Toulouse forward Wissam Ben Yedder, who has scored eight this season. We could also see Jovetic play a part in the latter stages. The Montenegrin had a difficult time at Inter Milan, but scored on his debut against Los Merengues earlier this week.

Interesting stat from Opta...



In terms of form, there is little to pick between the sides. Real have won three and drawn three of their last six games. Sevilla's only defeat in that time was that first-leg loss at the Bernabeu. These two teams are very much at the top of their games.

PREDICTION: It's time for a prediction and after the drama of Thursday, this could be difficult. Both have a first-choice defence restored this evening. I'm still expecting goals though. Perhaps 1-1, but I'm not sure.

KICKOFF: And we are underway at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, which is bouncing at the moment.

As with Thursday, the hosts are looking to keep ball as much as possible. Vitolo is briefly floored by Carvajal, but the midfielder dusts himself down.

Plenty of boos for Ramos when he picks up possession. Clearly his Panenka penalty from midweek is still on the minds of the locals.

Applause every time Real cede possession. In terms of on-pitch activity, both sides are being sloppy at key moments and struggling to build pressure.

FOUL! Casemiro cleverly turns away from Nasri and the Frenchman can't resist a nibble of the midfielder's ankles. You know who is over the free kick!

Well, Ronaldo's free kick was a damp squib as it hits the wall and Sevilla clear. Modric then tries to engineer a chance from the right slide. Pareja is in close attendance as the Croat overhits a cross.

Sevilla are being very deliberate in their build-up play, taking their time with passing and unafraid to go back and start again. Still waiting for a clear-cut chance.

Ramos tries to go more direct and his long pass is in Modric's direction. The diminutive midfielder tries to cushion the ball with his head and off-balance, cannot keep hold of it. Sevilla start again.

FOUL! A wry smile on Ronaldo's face as he loses a foot race with Mariano. He then trips the defender after being knocked to the floor himself.

Real have a corner and Ramos, with two opposition defenders in attendance, still gets a head to the cross, but the effort balloons high and wide of Rico's goal.

The hosts are getting more of the ball (60% so far), but it's Real who have had the two shots at goal. Perhaps, Zidane is willing to let his side sit back and counter attack when they can. One thing is for sure, Sevilla have been unable to get behind Madrid's defence.

CHANCE! Sevilla earn a corner and Nasri delivers to the near post where N'Zonzi gets in front of Navas and Ramos to head goalwards. However, the midfielder can't keep the header down. The best chance we've had so far. A more muted start to the game, compared with the Copa del Rey encounter.

Ronaldo is adamant he has a case for a penalty as he goes to the floor under Vazquez's challenge. I can't see much wrong with the challenge to be honest!

Ramos has a rush of blood to the head. He breaks out of defence and tries to play a through ball to Ronaldo. It's not the best pass and Real's brief foray into opposition territory is at an end. The visitors have been able to keep Ben Yedder quiet at the other end though.

FOUL! Modric fells Vazquez on the right flank. I've lost count of the number of fouls so far and it's been a disjointed match so far. Possibly, that is how Zidane wants it to be for now.

SHOT! Kroos plays an inch-perfect pass into Ronaldo's path on the left flank. The Portuguese shapes to go across the face of Rico's goal with his right foot and the keeper reads the situation well and gets down to collect with ease. Better attacking from the visitors.

Jeers from the home support as Real slow everything down after Vazquez was caught offside. Escudero is under pressure from Modric near the touchline, but manages to flick the ball up with left foot and clear over this shoulder.

YELLOW CARD: Iborra is the first into the book after he grabs Ronaldo with both hands. Think he was worried the Portuguese would get away from him.

SHOT! Better from Sevilla. Vazquez shoots just over the bar and Navas was untroubled, but that is the first time the home side have bothered Real in the final third.

SAVE! Comfortable stop by Navas from Nasri. He exchanged passes with N'Zonzi before pulling the trigger. The passing is crisper from the hosts.

Ben Yedder drags Nacho out the flank and wins a corner from him. It's the first time I've seen him in this game. The corner eventually comes to nothing.

CHANCE! Probably the best opportunity of the opening period and it falls to you know who. Good work from Benzema on the left. He pulls it back for his teammate, who misses his kick under pressure. He was only about six yards out!

Vitolo weaves his way into the box, but Ramos is on hand to snuff out the danger. Casemiro then earns a free kick at the expense of N'Zonzi, who is briefly enraged.

OFFSIDE: Vitolo latches onto a through ball and is caught by the linesman's flag. Sampaoli seems really frustrated, either with the player for straying offside or with his side's performance.

HALF TIME: Sevilla 0-0 Real Madrid

Well, no stoppage time at the end of the first half and that's probably a good thing. Defences on top and one for the purists (insert football cliche here). Interestingly, these sides have not drawn a league game in the last 22 meetings. That might change tonight.

STATS: Both sides have only hit the target once from five attempts at goal each, which shows how the defences have dominated. Sevilla have shaded possession, but the only clear-cut chance has fallen to their opponents.



BENCH WATCH: If Sevilla are to unlock the Real defence, it may be that they turn to Jovetic again. Madrid do have the likes of Morata, Asensio and Lucas Vazquez, but I suspect Zinedine Zidane would be quite happy if his side left southern Spain with a goalless draw and a three-point lead in the title race.

KICKOFF: We are back underway in Andalusia.

CLOSE! Sevilla start the second period well and from a corner, Vazquez seizes on a loose ball on the right of the area and, rather than go for power, his carefully guides a right-foot shot and Navas has to help it over.

A curious free kick from the hosts on the edge of the Real box. Vazquez was fouled, but an over-rehearsed set-piece sees Escudero fail to find a teammate.

Modric thinks he has a shout for a spot kick after colliding with Escudero. The referee takes a look at his assistant and waves away the appeals. Fair to say that Modric feels aggrieved.

CLOSE! Great chance for Marcelo. The Brazilian cuts in from the left flank and, from the edge of the 18-yard box, hits one over the bar with his right foot.

SAVE! Ben Yedder's first shot at goal and the first major save for Navas. Solid stop from the Costa Rican and a firm effort.

SAVE! At the other end, Rico keeps his side level. He saves Ronaldo's initial cross-cum-shot and his defenders make a mess of the ensuing clearance before the Portuguese star is thwarted again.

The first wobble from Navas. What should been a routine clearance, is kicked out for a throw in deep in Real's half. It's certainly more exciting fayre than the opening half!

Well, Real try to open up Sevilla with a fast counter. Benzema's quick turn made it possible. However, Varane collides with Rami and the move breaks down.

Real take advantage of a lapse in concentration in Los Rojiblancos defence. Ronaldo is in a great position and decides to try and play in Benzema rather than go for goal. He walks away shaking his head after giving it away.

CLOSE! Great opportunity for Benzema, who has his head in his hands. Modric made it possible as he marauded into the area. The French international's first shot was blocked. His second flew into the crowd.

PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!

That looked a shocking decision on first sight! Carvajal breaks into the box and draws in Rico. Ronaldo is over this.

GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo, pen)

Well, after everything calmed down and Sevilla players finished delaying the spot kick. Ronaldo coolly stepped up and sent Rico the wrong way. He then goades the opposition fans. I feel like we've been here before.

SEVILLA SUB: Amid the chaos, the hosts have made their first change. Jovetic on for Vazquez.

The home side are now committing more men forward in search of an equaliser. I wouldn't be surprised if we see another goal before the end!

Escudero tries to forge an opening, but his cross is taken by Navas. It feels like Sevilla just lack a cutting edge, despite dominating possession.

REAL SUB: Kroos is off and Kovacic is on in his place. Moments earlier, Jovetic was caught offside after Ben Yedder and Iborra connected to create a brief opening for the hosts.

SEVILLA SUB: Sarabia has replaced Iborra in midfield. Sampaoli is going for it in the final minutes.

Ronaldo's penalty was his 56th successful spot kick for Real Madrid in La Liga. That puts him level with another Real legend, Hugo Sanchez.

A stunning challenge by N'Zonzi on Ronaldo and it had to be spot on. The Portuguese was about to turn away from the former Stoke man, but he got his long legs around and dispossessed him. Brilliant!

YELLOW CARD: Nasri gets a booking after leaving his studs on Casemiro. The Brazilian rolls around a bit, but carries on.

GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Real Madrid (Ramos, own goal)

It had to be him! Ramos, who taunted Sevilla fans after his midweek penalty turns a free kick into his own net from Sarabia's dangerous free kick. Disaster for the visitors!

CLOSE! Sevilla almost take the lead. This time Jovetic is involved and Ramos makes the block.

Ronaldo was looking for a penalty at the other end. He takes on Pareja and goes down in a heap. He was never getting that decision.

Sevilla earn a free kick in a dangerous area. We have three minutes of added time.

GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid (Jovetic)

Quite stunning! Real's 40-game unbeaten run is coming to an end and what a way for it to go. Jovetic picks up Escudero's pass and curls one from 25 yards. Brilliant finish!

FULL TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid

Well, a once quiet game ends with a dramatic finish. Two goals in the final 10 minutes, including a 25-yard beauty from new signing Stevan Jovetic has seen the longest unbeaten run in Spanish football history come to an end. Real Madrid will still lead La Liga tonight, but only by one point as Sevilla leapfrog Barcelona into second. Keep in touch with all the latest news and gossip in the world of football with Sports Mole, but for now it's goodbye from me.

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Karim Benzema celebrates with Sergio Ramos and Toni Kroos during the game between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna on January 9, 2016
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2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913

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