Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory vs. Sevilla on La Liga’s Matchday 15

3. Real Madrid must keep Karim Benzema at the center of things

Real Madrid’s center-forward, Karim Benzema is world-class. And, this might be the best game to use his brilliance. Benzema is an experienced veteran and he knows well how to perform under pressure in important matches like this one. Yes, El Clasico will always be a special fixture but games like the ones against Sevilla, La Real or Betis and Atletico would be ones that would have a greater impact on the season’s standings.

Benzema should be the focal man in the attack this weekend. Sevilla has the best defense in the league and they would be a hard nut to crack there isn’t any doubt about that. But, they can still be brought down. Alaves scored two past them, so did Lille. Levante scored three but were outscored in the end. The point is there are ways to get past this defense.

Firstly, Sevilla can be brought into making mistakes. They are a well-drilled and disciplined defending side but when there are smart exchanges inside the box, they do lose their shape and concentration. They have been vulnerable towards conceding from shorter ranges. Real Madrid, thus, needs to make sure they have their play inside the box at the highest possible level.

And, Benzema is the man to go through. He can do the impossible, can manufacture a scoring shot within millimeters of space, and can pull off magical one-twos or shots on the turn in very, very tight spaces. The Frenchman will have support in the explosive Vinicius Junior who has been a standout this season. On the right, Rodrygo Goes could maintain his position and he did brilliantly against Sheriff and could be a great addition to the attack. Marco Asensio also has a chance of starting in Rodrygo’s place and the way Asensio performed in the limited time at Moldova, he too could drop a masterclass soon.