Real Madrid faced Sevilla FC on January 7, 2025, showcasing their dominance with a score of 4-1 during the 18th round of LaLiga. This victory propelled the Los Blancos to second place on the league table, just one point behind Atlético Madrid, who had also secured their win earlier against FC Barcelona.
Under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's lineup featured Kylian Mbappé, who made his mark with one goal and multiple assists, including his contribution to Brahim's goal. Sevilla, on the other hand, struggled against Madrid's relentless attack, especially noticing the notable performance from Lucas Vázquez, who delivered significant offensive presence throughout the match.
The game held special significance as it marked the last match for Sevilla captain Jesús Navas, who received heartfelt tributes from teammates and fans alike, reflecting on his legendary status at the club. Coach García Pimienta praised Navas, stating, "Today it was very emotional. The entire stadium stood up to honor him, demonstrating the legend he is, not only for Sevilla but for national football." Navas's commitment to the team was shown as he insisted on playing until the final moments of his playing career.
Real Madrid asserted their dominance right from the start, with Mbappé scoring spectacularly from outside the box just minutes after kickoff. His drive opened the floodgates for Madrid as they quickly established supremacy and left the Sevilla players scrambling.
Lucas Vázquez earned high praise for his exceptional performance, contributing both defensively and offensively as he assisted Rodrygo's third goal and had several close chances. Madrid's defensive players like Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni showed their prowess, combining solid defense with momentary lapses like conceding the goal to Sevilla's Lukebakio. Rüdiger started strong with precision passes, and Tchouaméni was effective throughout the match, even if he was partially to blame for the Sevilla equalizer.
The match showcased Real Madrid at its best with pace and tactical acumen, leading to fast breaks and disciplined defending during Sevilla's sporadic attacks. Despite Carvajal's and Courtois's occasional slip-ups, the overall execution was commendable, ensuring Madrid maintained composure even when Sevilla pushed forward. "Real Madrid was superior, leading to this decisive win," García Pimienta remarked, reflecting on the lessons learned from facing such high-quality opposition.
Courtois's performance was another area of discussion, as he had more to do with his feet than with his hands, though he made key saves, particularly against Isaac’s shot early on. This impression of solidity and safety between the posts is something Madrid will want to build upon as they strive for La Liga success.
Notably, the inclusion of Eduardo Camavinga as left-back raised eyebrows. Ancelotti had suggested changes to accommodate certain players, but Camavinga's transition proved important. He faced challenges during the match but was part of Ancelotti’s tactical puzzle. "We were able to kick off strong from the first moment," Ancelotti commented. His new strategies proved effective with the team evidently sharper and more focused than previous outings.
Sevilla attempted to find their footing after Madrid’s initial onslaught, managing to score through Lukebakio, which briefly seemed to ignite their spirits. The visitors demonstrated resilience, particularly during the second half, but the 4-1 scoreline reflected Madrid's overpowering impact throughout the first 45 minutes.
Overall, the match was not just about the score. It distinguished Madrid's efficient execution and depth of talent under pressure paired alongside Sevilla's nostalgic farewell to one of their most celebrated players, Navas. García Pimienta noted, "Our second half was much stronger, but the damage was already done. Moving forward, we must learn from these high-stakes games and step up with our performances against top opponents."
This result reinforces Real Madrid’s position as serious contenders for the title, exposing Sevilla's vulnerabilities and providing necessary reflections on their advancement. Both coaches will take the lessons from this match to guide their teams as they strive for form as the season progresses.
