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Real Madrid condemned Sevilla to only their second defeat at home in 16 games on Saturday, with Los Blancos grabbing a narrow 1-0 win in Andalusia. Zinedine Zidane's under-pressure side rise to third in the La Liga table with the result, while Sevilla remain in fifth, now four points adrift of Madrid.
Contrary to expectations, Real Madrid began the first half on the front foot, with a nervy Yassine Bounou culpable for a couple of early chances. The stand-in Sevilla goalkeeper came to the fore in the 37th minute though. He pulled off a superb save to deny Karim Benzema's shot from nestling into the bottom corner, which ensured a goalless first 45 minutes.
Real Madrid weathered a few attacks from Sevilla at the start of the second half, before opening the scoring in the 56th minute. Vinicius Jr. stretched out his legs to deflect Ferland Mendy's cross from the left, as the ball bounced off Yassine Bounou and into the net.
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Sevilla had their share of chances too, with Suso coming close, but Real Madrid saw the game out to grab a much-needed win.
On that note, here are the five major talking points from the game.
#5 Real Madrid turn the tables on the opposition press
It's been clear that Real Madrid have been nervous at the back in their past few games. Thibaut Courtois, Raphael Varane and co. have regularly conceded after being unable to deal with the opposition's high-press. Sevilla got the memo, but Julen Lopetegui propably never anticipated Zinedine Zidane's counter-intuitive response.
Using the high-energy of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo on the wings, coupled with Casemiro leading the way, Los Blancos employed a high press of their own. Vinicius profited from that high-press by closing down Bounou early on, but the danger from the deflected shot was eventually snuffed out.
The high-press forced Sevilla back. Even though they attempted a pressing game of their own, Madrid were able to deal with it, since it wasn't overwhelming. As the game went on though, tiring legs meant the high-press could not be employed, but Madrid employed a rearguard action to protect their narrow 1-0 lead.
#4 Yassine Bounou has a horror show in the Sevilla goal
Sevilla have suffered from a loss of continuity in their goalkeeping situation all year. Yassine Bounou has started the season as No. 1, but injuries and the coronavirus have forced a rotation with Tomas Vaclik. He missed this game with a knee injury though, while Alfonso Pastor played in the 4-0 hammering from Chelsea in midweek.
Bounou did little to ease Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui's concerns, with the Moroccan creating a bit of unwanted history.
Even prior to his mistake leading to the goal, Bounou barely looked convincing. He was dallying on the ball and flapping at crosses to give Real Madrid the impetus early on. He did show his quality in keeping out Karim Benzema's first-half effort, but that was the lone bright spot in a mediocre performance.
#3 Vinicius Jr. is Real Madrid's best winger
For better or worse, Vinicius Jr. is Real Madrid's best option on the flanks. The Brazilian player was responsible for the most crucial moment of the game, as it was his touch that diverted the path of the cross onto Bounou's body and into the net.
Most of Vinicius Jr.'s recent goals for Real Madrid have come at home, so it was refreshing to see him put in such an accomplished, hardworking performance in Seville, especially in the absence of Eden Hazard.
The Belgian's injury troubles mean Zidane cannot count on him, while Marco Asensio and Rodrygo have put in middling performances of late.
Many Madridistas have been frustrated with Vinicius' inconsistency in front of goal, but the young Brazilian has all the qualities needed. He added a matured defensive performance to his attacking arsenal today.
If Real Madrid are to walk away from this high-pressure week with their season intact, Zinedine Zidane would do well to place his trust on his 20-year-old Brazilian prodigy.
#2 Real Madrid's defence finally delivers
Real Madrid's beleagured backline came into the game having not kept a clean sheet in their last six games, while also concedinh three penalties in their last three. To top it all off, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal were not fit for the game, with Lucas Vazquez and Nacho drafted in to replace them.
The high-press in the first half served to divert pressure away from Real Madrid's backline. However, the second half saw a far more accomplished rearguard action, as Los Blancos defenders put in a committed performance to keep a clean sheet. Yes, Thibaut Courtois was called into action a couple of times, but those were saves he would have expected to make anyway.
The rest of the team also made a concerted effort to track back, with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro also keeping things tight in the middle of the park. This is a good foundation upon which Zidane can build upon, as Real Madrid face two more crucial games this week.
#1 Zinedine Zidane gets going when the going gets tough
The vultures were circling - some would say they always have - with Zinedine Zidane facing his worst spell as Real Madrid manager if he did not manage to beat Sevilla and go winless in four consecutive games. There's no understating how crucial this win is, and honestly, no one ought to be surprised.
Under Zidane, Real Madrid have responded to back-to-back defeats with a win six times. This is a team of champions, who do not run away from a fight when justified questions are asked of them.
The job is not done yet. A season-defining game against Borussia Monchengladbach is up next, followed by the Madrid derby against Atletico that could be crucial in the title race.
If one has learned anything watching Zinedine Zidane leading this Real Madrid side though, these high-pressure games are when they are at their best.
