Sevilla – Real Madrid: Bono Blunder Seals A Much Needed Three Points For Real (0-1)

In a game between two sides whose final third output rarely mirrors their control of the ball, the match flowed as one might expect. Real Madrid and Sevilla traded spells of possession in a tight affair, but it was ultimately a mistake that separated the two sides at the final whistle.

Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Sevilla came into this game off the back of a solid run of league form, recording three wins from their last three games. Recovering from their lackluster stretch in October, they have climbed up the table into fifth place. Now a point behind their opponents, the home team aimed to jump into the top four.

Though they seemed on the horizon of negotiating a rough patch of fixtures, Real Madrid again find themselves in a tricky position. Losing to Alavés last weekend, the reigning champions began the day seven points adrift of LaLiga leaders Real Sociedad. Amid growing pressure, the away team hoped to find the three points to keep up with the early pacesetters.

Julen Lopetegui lined up his side in a 4-3-3 formation. The manager also made two changes to the eleven that started against Huesca in their last league game. The right-footed Aleix Vidal filled in on his 'wrong' side at the left back slot, while Ivan Rakitić began in place of midfielder Óliver Torres.

Zinedine Zidane set up his team in a 4-3-3 shape too. Lucas Vázquez and Nacho continue to deputize at the back, while the trio of Casemiro . . .