Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. The only goal of the game came from substitute Luka Modric, who scored a stunning long-range strike in the 81st minute.
Real Madrid dominate possession but struggle to create chances
The hosts had the lion’s share of the ball in the first half, but found it difficult to break down a well-organized Sevilla defense. Lucas Vazquez had an early goal ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up, while Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde also tested Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland with low shots.
Sevilla, who were without their captain and former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos due to injury, looked dangerous on the counter-attack. They forced Andriy Lunin, who was deputizing for the injured Thibaut Courtois, to make several interventions with his feet. Youssef En-Nesyri had the best chance for the visitors, but his header was saved by Lunin.
Sevilla frustrate Real Madrid with Nyland’s heroics
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Real Madrid pushing for the opener and Sevilla defending resolutely. Nyland, who was making his debut for Sevilla after joining on loan from Norwich City, produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the hosts. He tipped over a curling shot from Vinicius, parried away a close-range effort from Valverde, and palmed away a header from Karim Benzema.
Sevilla also had their moments, with Joan Jordan forcing Lunin to make a diving save with a free-kick, and En-Nesyri firing wide from a good position. The game looked set to end in a goalless draw, until Modric intervened with a moment of magic.
Modric’s wonder goal settles the game
The 38-year-old Croatian, who had replaced Toni Kroos in the 74th minute, received the ball on the edge of the box after a clearance from a corner. He took a touch and unleashed a powerful curling shot that flew past Nyland and into the top corner. It was a stunning strike that sent the Bernabeu crowd into raptures and gave Real Madrid a vital win.
The goal was Modric’s third of the season and his 26th for Real Madrid in all competitions. It also marked his 300th appearance for the club, making him the fifth foreign player to reach that milestone after Roberto Carlos, Marcelo, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid extend their lead at the top
The win took Real Madrid to 65 points from 26 games, eight more than second-placed Barcelona, who beat Getafe 4-0 on Saturday. Real Madrid have now won 19, drawn five, and lost only one of their league games this season under Carlo Ancelotti. They are also unbeaten in their last 20 league matches, dating back to October.
Sevilla, meanwhile, remain in 15th place with 24 points, six above the relegation zone. They have won only five, drawn nine, and lost 11 of their league games this season under Julen Lopetegui. They have also failed to score in their last four league matches, their worst run since 2016.
What’s next for both teams?
Real Madrid will face Osasuna away on Wednesday, before hosting Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. They will then turn their attention to the Champions League, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 on March 9.
Sevilla will host Alaves on Wednesday, before traveling to Celta Vigo on Saturday. They will then resume their Europa League campaign, where they will face Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 32 on March 10.
