2-1: LUCK WASN'T ON SEVILLA FC'S SIDE AT THE BERNABÉU

18/01/2020

Sevilla FC fell to defeat after Casemiro scored twice for the home side, either side of De Jong's strike

Sevilla FC leave the capital empty-handed for another season running; although this time, the feeling will be slightly different to past experiences. Sevilla did well to get back into the game and level to scores, but it didn't turn out to be enough. However, things could have been different if De Jong's header in the first half hadn't have been ruled out for a foul in the build-up. After Casemiro's first strike, Lopetegui's men regrouped and hit back. However, the Brazilian's second of the game made sure that Sevilla went home empty-handed.

The first twenty minutes of the game were rapid as both teams started strongly with real intent, and moved the ball around the pitch with real purpose as they both looked to find an opening. Despite that, the first effort on target didn't come until nearly halfway through the first half, as Kroos' effort was dealt with easily by Vaclík. Sevilla, as is the norm now, threatened down the wings with both Jesús Navas and Reguilón looking dangerous as they put in a number of crosses to try and put the home side under pressure.

De Jong's had a goal ruled out by VAR in the first half

The away side had thought they had broken the deadlock, whenever a Banega corner was met by the head of Luuk de Jong who placed it perfectly back across goal and out of the reach of Courtois. However, after consulting VAR, Martínez Munuera decided to rule the goal out for a foul in the process by Gudelj on Militao, when it was deemed that the Serbian had blocked the run of the Real Madrid defender. With nothing more of note to happen in the half, the teams went into the dressing rooms at half time even.

The second half began with the same intensity as the first, with both sides fighting for control of the match. A defensive error gave the ball to Real Madrid, who opened the scoring with what was near enough their first chance, as Luka Jovic slipped the ball through to Casemiro who lifted the ball over Vaclík. Despite this cruel blow, as well as the lingering feelings about the disallowed goal, Sevilla FC fought back and equalised, with a tremendous left-footed effort from De Jong. A fully deserved equaliser for the Dutch international and Sevilla at a cold and dark Bernabéu.

En-Nesyri had a big chance late on to equalise, but his shot went wide

After the ecstasy of drawing level and a feeling that they could go on to secure a comeback win in Madrid, Casemiro scored his second. A Carvajal cross from the right was powerfully headed home by the Brazilian, who was unmarked, in an act which proved to be the winning goal. Despite this, Sevilla still had a chance of taking home a point. Firstly, a low Jesús Navas cross was cleared away at the last second by Militao. Secondly, a wonderful solo move from En-Nesyri put him one-on-one with Courtois, but his left-footed effort went wide of the mark. Kross had an effort late on, but Vaclík was equal to his effort.

MATCH STATISTICS

2. REAL MADRID: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Militao, Marcelo (Mendy, 69'), Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, L. Vázquez, Rodrygo (Vinicius, 62') and Jovic (Benzema, 62').

1. SEVILLA FC: Vaclík, Jesús Navas, Diego Carlos, Koundé, Reguilón, Fernando, Gudelj, Banega (Rony Lopes, 79'), Munir (En-Nesyri, 65'), Vázquez (Óliver Torres, 74') and De Jong.

GOALS: 1-0 Casemiro, 57'. 1-1 De Jong, 65'. 2-1 Casemiro, 69'.

REFEREE: Martínez Munuera, from the Valencian committee. Yellow cards for Modric, Banega, Carvajal and Casemiro.