Goals: Real Madrid—James 12’ - Jese 36’; Sevilla—Aspas 80'
Recap: Ninety minutes of enthralling football saw Real Madrid defeat Sevilla 2-1 on Wednesday.
A physical first half forced both managers to make three combined substitutions before the break. Already protecting a 1-0 lead—thanks to an inch-perfect header from James Rodriguez—Carlo Ancelotti turned to Jese in the 26th minute. The 21-year-old delivered 10 minutes later, polishing off a deflected cross from Karim Benzema. Isco’s deft touch on the ball in was enough to credit him with an assist. Madrid finished the opening 45 with a 2-0 lead.
Iago Aspas pulled on back for Sevilla late in the second half, but it proved to be of no consequence.
Key Moment: Wednesday’s key moment was a troubling one. Challenging for a 50/50 ball, Sevilla goalkeeper Beto collided with Benzema. The 32-year-old laid motionless on the ground before being substituted off by Sergio Rico. Unprepared, the 21-year-old failed his first test of the match, allowing Jese to double Madrid’s lead.
Man of the Match: Isco was dominant on the ball, finishing with an assist and seven take-ons.
Lesson Learned: Injuries to Sergio Ramos and James will test Carlo Ancelotti's depth in the final Madrid derby of the season. Assuming the worst, the Madrid boss will be forced to feature an untested center-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez. Marcelo's yellow card accumulation will keep the Brazilian out of the derby as well. The absence of James will also be felt. While Cristiano Ronaldo will return from suspension, the creative genius of his Colombian teammate will be missed against an Atleti side known to sit 10 men behind the ball and counter. Again, assuming the worst, this is the projected starting XI that will feature at the Vicente Calderon. Ancelotti is better served using the 4-4-2 variation this formation provides.
Up Next: Real Madrid travel to the Vicente Calderon to face Atletico Madrid on Feb. 7, while Sevilla visits Getafe on Feb. 8.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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