Real Madrid did a first half demolition job on Sevilla, scoring all of the goals in a 5-0 rout before the interval to move up to third in the La Liga table. Both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona play today but will have surely taken note of the manner in which Real secured this victory.
Los Blancos came flying out of the blocks and Nacho drew first blood, the centre-back scoring a close range effort in the 3rd minute. Sevilla had their backs to the wall as wave after wave of attacking play came from the purposeful hosts and it wasn’t long before the lead was extended.
Cristiano Ronaldo had only scored twice in La Liga before this match but doubled his tally in the space of just eight minutes. His first came on 23 minutes, when he picked up a beautiful through ball from Asensio and dispatched a confident finish. His second and Real’s third came courtesy of a penalty following a handball from Jesus Navas. Ronaldo powered home a low finish from the spot on 31 minutes, despite the best efforts of Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico who guessed the right way but could not get a hand to the ball.
With the Bernabeu rocking, Real started to turn on the style. Toni Kroos finished off a well-crafted team move which was started by Ronaldo. CR7 made a good interception and played it to Kroos who drove forward with a piercing run before playing a one-two with Lucas Vazquez and guided the return ball home on 38 minutes. Ronaldo and Kroos were also involved in the fifth goal, combining before the German midfielder picked out young right-back Achraf Hakimi to complete the scoring on 42 minutes and open his account for the club.
Real Madrid had the cigars out at half-time, with such an unassailable lead. The second period was more or less uneventful apart from Karim Benzema hitting the upright from a Marcelo cross. It’s a big win for Real Madrid which puts some pressure on Barcelona who face a tricky tie away to Villarreal on Sunday night.
