Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 win over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in a match that tested their creativity, patience, and resolve. Despite struggling to break down a defensively set-up Sevilla side — who were reduced to ten men early and later to nine — Los Blancos eventually found their rhythm thanks to a brilliant strike from Kylian Mbappe and a late tap-in by Jude Bellingham. While the victory adds three more points to Real Madrid’s tally, it also exposed some concerning cracks in the team’s current form.
A Match Defined by Missed Chances and Discipline
From the first whistle, Sevilla made their intentions clear: sit deep, frustrate Madrid, and hit on the break. But the game’s complexion changed drastically just 12 minutes in. Loic Bade, trying to halt a surging Mbappe counter-attack, brought down the French striker in a last-man challenge. After a lengthy VAR check, the referee confirmed the red card. Down to ten men so early, Sevilla had no choice but to retreat even deeper.
Despite the advantage, Madrid’s attacking play remained uninspired. Possession was heavily in their favour, but they lacked penetration in the final third. Mbappe, the most threatening player on the pitch, squandered the best chance of the half with a wayward shot — a rare misfire from the usually clinical forward.
Second Half Sparks Life as Sevilla Collapse
The second half saw a slight improvement in Madrid’s urgency, but Sevilla’s compact shape continued to frustrate them. The breakthrough finally came after Sevilla were reduced to nine men. Substitute Isaac Romero launched into a reckless, studs-up challenge on Aurelien Tchouameni — a decision that left the referee with little choice but to issue another red card.
With two men up and the pressure mounting, Madrid finally found the spark they needed. Kylian Mbappe took matters into his own hands in the 74th minute, cutting inside and rifling a low, precise shot from outside the box that nestled into the bottom corner. It was a moment of brilliance that changed the tempo and broke Sevilla’s resistance.
From that point forward, it was a matter of game management for Madrid. The second goal came just before full-time when substitute Gonzalo Garcia cleverly nodded the ball down into the path of Jude Bellingham, who calmly slotted into an empty net. The goal sealed the win and offered a small sense of relief for a team that looked far from dominant.
Mbappe Continues Golden Boot Pursuit
Kylian Mbappe’s performance was once again the talking point for Madrid. The French superstar has been Madrid’s most consistent goal threat, and his strike against Sevilla added to his tally in the race for the La Liga Golden Boot. His ability to create something out of nothing, even in tight spaces, highlights why he’s considered one of the best players in the world.
Although he missed a few chances in the first half, Mbappe’s persistence and confidence remained unshaken. His goal was not just technically flawless but also timely, lifting the team from a frustrating stalemate.
Bellingham’s Role: Frustration Turns to Redemption
Jude Bellingham had a mixed evening. For much of the match, he appeared frustrated — often gesturing in exasperation, committing rash tackles, and struggling to influence play. Yet, great players deliver when it matters. His late goal may not have been spectacular, but it demonstrated his ability to be in the right place at the right time. It was also a reward for his persistence and a boost for a player who has had an otherwise stellar debut season in Spain.
Lack of Intensity Reflects Madrid’s Current Mindset
With the league title already conceded to Barcelona, Madrid’s approach to the match lacked urgency. They dominated possession but didn’t seem desperate to break Sevilla down until the second red card forced their hand. The tempo was slow, the passing often sideways, and the build-up predictable.
Carlo Ancelotti, though calm on the sidelines, will be aware that such performances won’t be good enough against stronger opponents or in future European fixtures. While a win is always welcome, this match was more a reminder of what Madrid are missing than a celebration of what they achieved.
Conclusion: A Win That Raises More Questions Than Answers
Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over a severely weakened Sevilla side may have delivered the desired result, but it was far from a convincing performance. The team struggled to break down a defensive setup, lacked urgency for long stretches, and only found the net after being gifted a numerical advantage.
Mbappe’s brilliance and Bellingham’s clinical finish were enough on the day, but questions remain about Madrid’s current form and motivation. With the La Liga title out of reach, the team’s focus must now shift to finishing strong and preparing for bigger battles ahead — both in domestic cups and in Europe.
In short, the scoreline may say comfortable, but the story told on the pitch says Real Madrid still have work to do.
