Rafael Benitez: "We lacked control"

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has admitted that his team 'lost control' of Sunday's La Liga clash against Sevilla.

Los Blancos took a 22nd-minute lead at the Estadio Ramon after flying out of the blocks in the early stages of the contest.

Sevilla responded with three unanswered goals before James Rodriguez struck late on, however, as the home side recorded all the points with a 3-2 success.

Benitez has conceded that his team "lacked control" during vital moments as they were beaten for the first time this season.

"We lacked control. It seemed that we had control of the game, but it wasn't to be. Our mistakes allowed them to grow. We should have finished the game off but didn't," Benitez told reporters.

"We were very good for the first half-hour as we had a lot of control in all aspects, but then we allowed them to have set-pieces.

"We started the second half well but then made mistakes. It became a matter of self-esteem. I saw a great Real Madrid and then one which lacked continuity in controlling the game."

Real Madrid will enter El Clasico on November 21 three points behind the league leaders Barcelona in the table.