Real Madrid took care of business at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, defeating Sevilla 2-1 behind a brace from Casemiro. But who were the other standouts from the big win?
FC Barcelona narrowly escaped Matchweek 20 with a victory over Granada, meaning Real Madrid and La Blaugrana are still tied on points after another week in La Liga. The two powerhouses have traded blows evenly throughout 2019-2020, but, once again, Los Blancos looked like the more impressive side over the weekend despite benefiting from a controversial call. (Though Sevilla’s actual first goal also came under dubious circumstances).
Regardless, Real defeated a tough side in Sevilla 2-1, as Casemiro played the hero by scoring both goals for Los Blancos. Here were the top five performers from the home team on Matchweek 20 against a Sevilla side that looks Champions League caliber under Julen Lopetegui.
CB Raphael Varane
With Sergio Ramos injured after picking up an ankle issue in the Supercup final win over Atletico Madrid, Raphael Varane needed to step up as a leader again. He definitely did more than his share, as the France captain closed down passing lanes and made life miserable for Munir, Luuk de Jong, and the rest of Sevilla’s attack.
Varane, per WhoScored.com, recorded three tackles with three clearances in a display that can only be summed up as “solid”. He was never really troubled by Sevilla’s attackers and did well to ward off counterattacks by being a step ahead of the opposition. Varane is truly a master as playing chess on the football pitch defensively, and his deep passing remained crisp on Saturday.