Brazilian Star Sends Real Madrid Top
19 January, 2020
LaLiga
Result: Real Madrid 2-1 Sevilla
Date: 18 January 2020
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Real Madrid leapfrogged FC Barcelona into top spot after overcoming a tough Sevilla side, with an unlikely hero grabbing a brace on the day.
Los Blancos were without the services of Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard as Luka Jovic was handed a start in the attack alongside Rodyrgo Goes and Lucas Vazquez.
Meanwhile, Ever Banega, Munir El-Haddadi and Vaclik returned to the side after being rested for the for their cup victory last time out.
Despite missing a handful of stars, Zinedine Zidane's men dominated the possession from onset although chances were hard to come by in the final third.
Sevilla had the ball in the back of the net after 31 minutes through Luuk de Jong's finish, but the strike was ruled out for a foul in the build-up after a VAR check.
The disallowed goal proved to be the only bit of goal-mouth action in the opening half as neither side could carve out another opening in the latter stages.
The deadlock was eventually broken just before the hour mark as Jovic showed good awareness to to pick out Casemiro, who lifted the ball over the Sevilla shot-stopper for the opening goal.
Minutes later, Los Blancos were pegged back as De Jong restored parity for Sevilla with a neat finish into the bottom corner after some good work by Munir.
Sevilla's joy was short-lived though as Casemiro got Los Blancos back in front in the 71st minute with his second goal of the game from close range.
The home nearly bagged a third goal with seven minutes remaining but Luka Modric's first-time strike from distance sailed inches wide as the encounter finished 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za
TAG(s):