Sevilla were once title contenders to Real Madrid, and if the Andalusians were able to get the win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday night, there were some wondering if they could make an unlikely push for the LaLiga title.
After two quick goals in the first half due to two bizarre mistakes from the normally-great Eder Militao, Sevilla fans believed. But Real Madrid are not the comeback kings for nothing. After saving their Champions League hopes with a comeback in response to Chelsea’s comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real followed up that grueling match with three second-half goals.
Unlike last year, they did not fall short the second time playing against Sevilla, despite Vinicius Jr.’s goal being unfairly chalked off for offsides in one of the worst calls of the season – if not THE worst. Instead of sharing the spoils 2-2, they won 2-3 at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
Here are the player ratings from Real Madrid’s heartwarming comeback victory.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois could do nothing about the goals he surrendered and commanded his box well.
Rating: 6.0
LB Dani Carvajal
With Ferland Mendy injured, Dani Carvajal was the surprise starter at left back, playing an inverted role. He struggled in the first half, as you would expect in a different role. But by the second half, he was a standout, recording the assists that tied the game at 2-2 and playing solid defense. In this inverted role, he made a lot of passes, completing 92 percent of his 75 attempts.
Rating: 8.0
CB David Alaba
Brilliant performance from David Alaba. Whereas his center back partner Eder Militao struggled with mistakes, David Alaba had no such issues. He was at his astute best in his reading of the game and when making challenges, stopping Rafa Mir counters before they could even develop. Alaba was great on the ball as well, always making himself available and even looking to break the lines with his passing. A necessary, composed display from the leader of the defense.
Rating: 8.0
CB Eder Militao
I have the utmost respect for Eder Militao, because he bounced back from two terrible errors in the first half – and technically three, though Eduardo Camavinga was fortunately not sent off – to play a solid game at center back in the second half. He even had the confidence to test the underrated – and now world-class, if we are being honest – Bono from range. Still, the mistakes mean I have to give him a low rating.
Rating: 4.0
RB Lucas Vazquez
Lucas Vazquez was subbed off in the second half for Nacho, but that was simply a sacrifice on Carlo Ancelotti’s part as he knew Nacho would immediately score.
As for Vazquez, he played very well. The Galician wide man won six tackles and two interceptions with three fouls drawn, in addition to completing 91.2 percent of his passes.
Rating: 7.0