Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid recorded a 4-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday.
The home side were ahead after 18 minutes when Karim Benzema turned home from close range before Ronaldo made it 2-0 with a stunning effort eight minutes later.
Sevilla continued to create chances, but they were three behind moments into the second period when Ronaldo collected a loose ball before firing into the bottom corner.
The Portuguese then completed his hat-trick on 59 minutes to cap a sensational display, but Manu del Moral had one back for Sevilla in the final minute.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 14
On target: 10
Possession: 58%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 18
Sevilla:
Shots: 10
On target: 6
Possession: 42%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 19
Was the result fair?
It could be argued that the 4-1 scoreline was slightly harsh on Sevilla, but Madrid certainly deserved to pick up all three points this evening. They were the better side from start to finish, with two goals coming in each half. Sevilla did offer a threat, especially in the latter stages of the first period, but Madrid scored at key moments in the match.
Real Madrid's performance
Madrid simply had to respond following their defeat to Granada last weekend. It wasn't the best football that they have played this season, but in this sort of form they are a match for any team on the planet. The league title may be gone, but three points and a good performance was a necessity ahead of the key Champions League clash against Manchester United.
Sevilla's performance
There is no question that Sevilla have been much improved in recent weeks, but a record of just one win in 11 away matches prior to their visit to Madrid would not have filled their fans with too much confidence. Their success in the latter part of the season will not be based on their results at places such as the Bernabeu, rather on their home patch against the teams around them.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Cristiano Ronaldo: There were some question marks as to whether the Portuguese should have started with Manchester United to come in the Champions League on Wednesday, but it is understood that he was keen to play. He scored a sensational hat-trick, while his work-rate was also top draw.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Federico Fazio has been impressive in Sevilla's recent turn in form, but he had a horror moment in the early stages of the second period when he lost sight of the ball, allowing Ronaldo to burst into the penalty area and find the bottom corner. It was the goal that ultimately decided the match.
Referee performance
Carlos Delgado had a fairly straightforward 90 minutes of work this evening. The Spaniard was not called into question on too many occasions throughout the match, although he was perhaps guilty of missing a few fouls, especially in the first period. That said, neither team will have had many complaints despite the two dismissals.
What next?
Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho's side are in Champions League action against Manchester United on Wednesday before they return to domestic duty at home to Rayo Vallecano next Sunday.
Sevilla: Sevilla resume their league campaign against Deportivo La Coruna on Friday, before travelling to face La Liga leaders Barcelona on February 23.
Matt Law
