Wednesday evening's La Liga clash at the Estadio Ramon pitted in-form Sevilla against Real Madrid.
Los Blancos took an early lead through Cristiano Ronaldo, but a smart finish from Carlos Bacca left the two sides level after an end-to-end 45 minutes of football.
Sevilla moved ahead for the first time in the match after 72 minutes when Bacca finished from close range and Madrid were unable to respond in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage continues this evening as Sevilla welcome Real Madrid to the Estadio Ramon. The home side have won four of their last five in all competitions, with that run of form moving them into fifth spot in the La Liga and into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. However, they are still eight points from fourth-place Athletic Bilbao with nine league games remaining.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, suffered a 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico at the weekend. As it stands, they sit third in the table on 70 points, two points behind Barcelona, who overcame Celta Vigo earlier this evening. Madrid's away record in La Liga this season has been extremely strong this season with 10 wins from their 15 matches, suffering just one defeat in the process.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five matches, with Sevilla also winning once during that run of matches. The reverse match earlier this season ended in a 7-3 win, with Gareth Bale netting a hat-trick. However, Sevilla were 1-0 winners on their own patch in the corresponding fixture last season. Right, let me bring you the team news before kickoff.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Pareja, Fazio, Alberto; Iborra, Mbia; Reyes, Rakitic, Marin; Bacca
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric, Illarramendi; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
So there we have it. Carlos Bacca leads the line for Sevilla this evening, while there are also starts for on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin and Jose Antonio Reyes. Madrid, meanwhile, are without the suspended Sergio Ramos and Angel di Maria, with Raphael Varane and Asier Illarramendi both coming into the XI. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway on this mild evening in Seville.
CHANCE! Bright start from the home side as Rakitic forces a free kick following a late challenge from Illarra. The resulting set piece is delivered by the Croatian towards Bacca, who turns across the face of the Madrid goal, but Illarra is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Incredible opening!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid as Bale drives towards the Sevilla box before thumping one from outside the box, but it just moves high and wide of the crossbar. Hardly time to take a breath here!
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Ronaldo drives into the Sevilla half, but Fazio is across to make the challenge. Just a reminder that Atletico Madrid are also in action this evening, with Diego Simeone's side facing Granada at the Calderon. Six minutes played at the Estadio Ramon and it has been sensational thus far.
CHANCE! Los Blancos come close once more as Modric finds the run of Benzema, who drives into the box before attempting to slide one into the bottom corner, but Beto is on hand to make a fine stop. Still goalless, but both sides are forcing the issue in the early exchanges at the Estadio Ramon.
Another sight of goal for Benzema after the Frenchman finds some space outside the box, but his effort is deflected wide of the post by MBia. Bale's corner is delivered towards the near post, but Fazio is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be vital in this type of contest.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but a card has not been produced thus far. Sevilla continue to threaten in wide positions through Reyes, but Marcelo is on hand to deny the Spaniard twice in quick succession. It is like a basketball match as Los Blancos break down the other end in a matter of seconds. Just incredible.
CHANCES! Another chance for Benzema as Carvajal finds the Frenchman inside the box, but Beto is on hand to push the striker's effort wide of the post. Moments later, Benzema is found by the Madrid right-back once more, but his header is wide. The opportunities are falling for Los Blancos.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Madrid (Ronaldo)
Madrid take the lead after 14 minutes as a free kick from Ronaldo deflects off the arm of Bacca and into the back of the net. Beto could only stand and watch as the ball found its way into the top corner.
In truth, it had been coming. Madrid have had a number of chances in the opening 17 minutes, but now lead at the Estadio Ramon. Sevilla continue to threaten in wide positions, but Lopez has been untroubled since the opening couple of minutes. The atmosphere has also just dropped in the last five minutes or so.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Madrid (Bacca)
Sevilla level after 19 minutes as Reyes slides a through pass towards Bacca, who finishes into the bottom corner for his 13th league goal of the season. What an opening to this La Liga contest. All level!
Half-chance for Madrid as Bale finds some space outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. The end-to-end football continues as both sides commit numbers in the final third. The atmosphere has also returned with the home supporters in fine voice. All level at 1-1 with 22 minutes on the clock in Seville.
Another free kick for Madrid as Iborra pulls Ronaldo to the ground and gains a booking for his troubles. The Portuguese hits the target from the resulting set piece, but Beto manages to push his effort wide of the post. Rakitic attempts to break moments later for the home side, but Pepe pulls the Croatian to the ground.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Bacca, Marin and Reyes combine outside the Madrid box, eventually Reyes strikes towards goal, but it just moves wide of the post. Madrid do not look comfortable in defensive areas at the moment. The opening 27 minutes of this match have flown past.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but the intensity remains in the middle of the park. Illarra tries his luck for the away side after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville.
.@Cristiano's free-kick which opened the scoring for Real Madrid. #SevillaRealMadrid #RMLive pic.twitter.com/rYQBJtmnGb
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 26, 2014
Ronaldo tries his luck for the away side after finding space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Not too much from Sevilla, however, with Rakitic twice losing possession in the final third. Just a reminder that Atletico Madrid are also in action this evening, with Diego Simeone's side currently drawing 0-0 at home to Granada. Earlier this evening, Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 3-0 at the Camp Nou.
Illarra once more finds himself in a forward position for Madrid before meeting a cross from Bale, but Ronaldo is ruled offside at the final moment. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and still the score remains level at 1-1. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be vital in Seville.
Half-chance for the home side as Rakitic finds some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as Sevilla continue to enjoy possession in the final third. Madrid, meanwhile, are struggling to find their passing tempo in the final third of the pitch.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo to score his second, but his effort is pushed over the crossbar by Beto. Brilliant save from the Portuguese goalkeeper. It remains 1-1 after 39 minutes.
Another Los Blancos attack comes to an end as Illarra fails to meet a through pass from Bale. Not too much from the home side in terms of attacking pressure in the last couple of moments, but they are closing the space in defensive areas. Not much more football to be played in the first period this evening.
CHANCES! Another wonderful chance for Madrid as Benzema finds Bale inside the box, but the Welshman takes it too wide and brings a fine save from Beto. Moments later, Ronaldo sees his effort clip the inside of the post. How on earth are Los Blancos not ahead here?!
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-1 Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Ronaldo's deflected free kick opened the scoring for Madrid, but a smart finish from Bacca after 19 minutes has left the two sides level at the interval. However, Los Blancos will feel that they should be ahead.
BREAKING NEWS: Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has played his last game for the Catalan outfit after it was confirmed that the Spaniard suffered an ACL injury in the 3-0 win over Celta Vigo earlier this evening. The experienced stopper was forced to depart the field in the first period and tests have now shown that he faces six months on the sidelines. What an incredible blow.
STATISTICS: Back to the Estadio Ramon - Madrid had more of the ball in the first period with 65%, while they have had 14 attempts, six of which have been on target. Sevilla, meanwhile, have registered with their only attempt on goal. There have been two bookings in the first 45 minutes, meanwhile, with Iborra carded for the home side and Bale picking up a yellow for Los Blancos.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Atletico Madrid are also in action this evening, with Simeone's side currently drawing 0-0 at home with Granada. Right, Los Blancos get the second 45 minutes of action underway at the Estadio Ramon.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. As it stands, it will be a very good night for Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit 3-0 winners over Celta earlier this evening.
Half-chance for the home side as Bacca finds some space outside the box before bending one towards the top corner, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. Madrid are down the other end with Bale moments later and the Welshman forces a corner from Fazio as the end-to-end period of the match continues.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third. It is impossible to predict what is going to happen next as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. The referee just needs to calm proceedings at the moment as the ill-feeling continues.
Whistles from the home supporters as Madrid control the possession outside the box, but Sevilla continue to close the space in defensive areas. A cross from Bale threatens to find the head of Benzema, but Fazio is on hand to clear at the near post. It remains 1-1 with 55 minutes on the clock in Seville. Pulsating football.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Not too much to report in terms of chances, but both continue to commit numbers in the final third. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could decide the match.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Madrid as Modric slides a through pass towards Marcelo, who drives a cross towards Ronaldo, but Fazio is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Incredible challenge.
Strong pressure from Sevilla in the last couple of moments as the home side force back-to-back corners. However, Los Blancos manage to clear the danger on both occasions. No movement on either bench at the moment, which is a surprise with little under 30 minutes of football remaining. Is there to be late drama here?
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third due to some loose passing. Still no breakthrough at the Calderon, meanwhile, with Granada holding Atletico to a goalless draw. At the moment, it is a brilliant night for Barcelona.
Cross after cross into the Sevilla box, but the home side continue to clear the danger. Marcelo has a sight of goal following a fine pass from Alonso, but the left-back is ruled offside. Atletico, meanwhile, have taken the lead against Granada, with Costa finding the back of the net from a corner.
As it stands, Atletico would be top of the table. Barcelona would be second and Madrid would sit third. However, there is still time for Los Blancos to find a winner here. Cross after cross continues to arrive into the Sevilla box, but Fazio has been sensational in defence. Little over 20 minutes of football to play.
Los Blancos make their first change of the match as Isco enters the field in place of Illarra. Positive change from the away side, which is not much of a surprise. Not too much from Sevilla in terms of an attacking threat as the home team continue to drop deeper and deeper. Is there to be a late goal in Seville?
Another Madrid attack comes to an end as Bale's pass is too strong for Ronaldo, with Beto on hand to make the clearance. It just is not happening for Los Blancos in the final third, but they are dominating the ball. Wouldn't it be just like this La Liga season if Sevilla scored on the counter attack late on?
Sevilla make their first change of the match as on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marin leaves the field for Vitolo. Positive change from Emery. Ronaldo has a half-chance moments later after hanging in the air, but his header is straight into the arms of Beto.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Madrid (Bacca)
Sevilla lead after 72 minutes as Rakitic produces a wonderful piece of skill before finding Bacca, who finishes from inside the box. Wow, incredible turn of events!
CHANCE! Ronaldo comes close for the away side after finding some space just outside the Sevilla box, but Beto is down to make a fine save once more. Incredible scenes at the Estadio Ramon!
What an evening of football this has been. Barcelona were 3-0 winners over Celta earlier this evening, Atletico currently lead Granada 1-0, but Real Madrid trail at Sevilla. Los Blancos cannot afford not to take something from this match. Little over 15 minutes of this incredible contest remaining.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Reyes leaves the field for Fernando Navarro. Defensive change from Emery, which is not much of a surprise. Surely Madrid will create openings in the latter stages. Do not rule out a late comeback from Los Blancos, who as it stands, sit in third spot in the table.
Half-chance for Madrid as Bale finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters find their voices once more. However, you just get the feeling that there are more goals in the final 10 minutes or so.
Varane is booked for Madrid for rushing into midfield and challenging Rakitic, who leaves the field for treatment. It is one-way traffic at the Estadio Ramon as Madrid continue to dominate the ball, but they just cannot find a way through. As it stands, Sevilla are heading for their sixth straight La Liga victory.
Bale tries his luck for Los Blancos after finding space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. It is a case of 'anywhere will do' for the home side as they continue to clear their lines. Moments later, Sevilla make another change as two-goal Bacca is replaced by Kevin Gameiro.
Alonso tries his luck from the edge of the box following smart work from Benzema, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Another chance comes and goes for Madrid, who are running out of time. However, you have to feel that Madrid will get at least one more clear opportunity due to their sustained pressure.
Marcelo takes matters into his own hands for the away side, but his effort is wide of the post. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the supporters continue to make their voices heard. Little over one minute of normal time remaining. How much stoppage time will be added in Seville?
Wonderful chance for Madrid as Navarro handles just outside the box. Moments before, Madrid make their third change as Morata replaces Modric. Four minutes of additional time will be played at the Estadio Ramon.
Bale takes the resulting set piece, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Frustration for Ronaldo as the Portuguese speaks to Marcelo about an earlier incident. Little over two minutes remaining.
More time is wasted as Carvajal passes straight out of play. Sevilla are almost there as the crowd continue to create a wonderful atmosphere. Benzema strikes one on the half-volley, but his effort is over the crossbar.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Incredible night in La Liga as Sevilla beat Madrid 2-1. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have beaten Granada 1-0 at home. As it stands, Atletico are top on 73 points, Barcelona second on 72 and Madrid third on 70. What a title race in Spain! Thanks for joining Sports Mole. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
