Real Madrid – Sevilla: Sevilla’s Defensive Structure Eventually Falls (2-1)

Sevilla’s 4-5-1 defensive system created problems for Real Madrid’s attacking play. However, once Casemiro moved into a more advanced role, the hosts were able to create some opportunities that were good enough. The Brazilian’s brace rewarded Real Madrid with three valuable points, as their unbeaten record continues.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. 

Congestion at the top of the standings has resulted in a curious title race in LaLiga. Just nine points separate the top seven teams, with matchday twenty pitching the second and fourth placed clubs in action. 

Fresh from their super cup victory in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid remain unbeaten in the league since October, yet plenty of draws keep them in second place, level on points with Barcelona. Although Zinedine Zidane’s team have not scored the most goals in Spain’s top division, their productivity is far superior than the clubs around them. Not only do they undertake the most attempts on goal, 16.4 shots per game, but they also record nearly two expected goals The amount of goals a team is expected to score based on the quality of the shots they take. per game, a lot more than Barcelona.

Converting more of these chances would take Real Madrid ahead of the teams around them, but their attacking output heavily relies on the work of Karim Benzema. His twelves goals and five assists place him far ahead in comparison to his teammates, meaning his injury dents Real’s chances of league success. Benzema was on the bench for this game, as Zidane rotated Real Madrid back into the 4-3-3 formation. Éder Militão and Marcelo returned to the . . .