Real Madrid edge past Sevilla with a 0-1 win at the Sanchez Pizuan in a much-needed win for the defending La Liga champions.
Real Madrid traveled to Sevilla and mustered up a solid 0-1 victory at the Sanchez Pizuan. Los Blancos created a couple of chances in the first-half but were unable to find the back of the net.
The visitors finally took the lead after Vinicius Junior’s attempt got deflected for an own goal by Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Zinedine Zidane’s men held on to the lead at the final whistle.
Here is how the Real Madrid players performed.
Manager
Zinedine Zidane – 8/10
It was a must-win match for Zidane if reports are correct, and the Frenchman delivered as needed. He set his team out to high press in the first 15-20 minutes of the match, and it almost resulted in a couple of goals sans clinical finishing.
Zidane understood that his team could not continue the same in the second half with the number of minutes they have played in recent weeks. So he reverted to a defensively solid system that worked so well last season after the opening goal and successfully guided the team to victory.
Players
Thibaut Courtois – 7.5/10
Courtois hardly had to work, but he came up good when called on. He made a crucial save late in the second half and secured the clean sheet for the visitors.
Lucas Vazquez – 8/10
Lucas Vazquez continues to impress as a deputy in the right-back position. While not a natural defender, he did not lack the work rate and did his best to minimize any positional mistakes. The former academy player helped Real Madrid out of tight situations numerous times as he completed five dribbles and also contributed in the final third with two key passes.
Raphael Varane – 7.5/10
Varane showed good character following a disaster performance against Shaktar with a solid performance against Sevilla. He consistently positioned himself well and completed four vital clearances.
Nacho Fernandez – 9/10
It was an absolute monster performance by the Castilla graduate. Nacho shutdown everything that came in Real Madrid’s box. He won five aerial duels, five tackles, completed four clearances, and two interceptions in the match.
Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10
Mendy did not have his usual firm performance in defense. He got caught out of position a few times, and his passing under pressure was underwhelming. The French left-back did come up with the assist for Real Madrid’s game-winner.
Casemiro – 7/10
Casemiro benefited from Zidane’s decision to go back to his tactical setup from last season that helped Real Madrid become the best defensive team in the league. The Brazilian got himself positioned at the right areas and won three tackles, three aerial duels, and two clearances.
Luka Modric – 8/10
Luka Modric played his 8th straight match in just 21 days. The toll of the minutes reduced his effectiveness in the last couple of games. However, the Croatian showed his quality and led Real Madrid’s midfield against Sevilla with a brilliant performance. Modric opened up the play for Real Madrid several times in the match, and he would be disappointed one of them did not turn into a goal.
Toni Kroos – 7.5/10
The German passing machine did not have the best passing game according to the standards he set but still put on a commendable performance. His ability to switch play helped Los Blancos keep the attack moving in the first half. Kroos completed seven long balls out of nine in the match.
Rodrygo – 6/10
Rodrygo worked hard defensively and tracked back often to help Vazquez but did not offer much in the attacking third.
Karim Benzema – 6/10
Benzema created the opening that released Mendy leading up to Real Madrid’s goal. Apart from that, the French forward was not involved much and had an xGbuildup of 0.00, according to Understat.com.
Vinicius Junior – 7.5/10
Vinicius brought a lot of energy with him and often looked like the best-attacking option for Los Blancos. However, his decision making in the final third lacked in precision, resulting in missed opportunities. The young winger kept on trying regardless and got himself at the end of Real Madrid’s winner.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio – 6.5/10
Marco Asensio replaced Rodrygo in the 66th minute and got tasked to put on a defensive work-rate. Asensio did what got asked of him well enough, but not much more than that.