Real Madrid 2-1 Sevilla: 3 standout players in the fixture

Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid maintained a fine run of results by narrowly edging past a promising Sevilla side and moved to the top of Spain's La Liga, albeit with a game in hand. While the manner of the victory wasn't particularly exhilarating, Zidane will be pleased that his side maintained their composure and sealed three important points.

The game was no cakewalk for either side. Sevilla was intent on using the pace on its flanks, but the team from Madrid did well to keep the duo of Sergio Reguilon and Jesus Navas relatively quiet. The midfield saw several tactical battles as both teams struggled to stamp their authority on the game.

In slight contrast to a cagey first half, the second half witnessed both sides aim for the jugular, as spaces began to open up all over the pitch. While clear-cut chances were still hard to come by, both teams managed to get on the scoresheet in the second half. Real Madrid was marginally superior in the latter stages of the game and managed to create a few opportunities.

While they may have ended up losing an important fixture, Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla proved their mettle yet again with a display worthy of a top-four spot. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will be thoroughly pleased to have come away from a difficult game with three points in the bag. Here, we take a look at 3 players who made the fixture an engaging spectacle

Honorable mentions: Sergio Reguilon, Vinicius Jr., Luka Modric

#3 Eder Militao

For the better part of the decade, Sergio Ramos has been Real Madrid's go-to defender. The Spaniard has been at the heart of everything good and bad about Real Madrid and is famous for showing up when his team needs him the most.

Prior to kick-off, Sergio Ramos walked into the spotlight at the Santiago Bernabeu, wearing a fashionable suit as opposed to the white of Real Madrid. While Madrid's Supercopa silverware was being presented by their injured captain, 22-year-old Eder Militao took to the field on his birthday.

The young Brazilian defender was consistently put under pressure by the likes of Luuk de Jong and Franco Vazquez, but stepped up to the plate and put in a commendable shift. He also chipped in with two crucial interventions to prevent Sevilla from profiting from clear-cut chances.

Sergio Ramos is not getting any younger, and talented center-backs have been in short supply in the recent past. If Eder Militao can further improve on excellent performances such as these, the future of Real Madrid's back-line will suddenly look a lot brighter.

#2 Luuk de Jong

Despite being on the losing side at the end of 90 minutes, Sevilla gave a good account of themselves, particularly in the opposition's half. Most of Sevilla's attacking play passed through former PSV Eindhoven striker Luuk de Jong, who put in the extra mile to put pressure on Real Madrid's center-backs.

De Jong's efforts bore fruit in the second half, as he latched on to a loose ball and held off Raphael Varane to curl the ball into the far post. The Dutchman has a recognizable poacher's instinct and proved that he can be decisive in matches where neither side seems to hold the upper hand.

The home team's game plan was crystal clear right from the start. Los Blancos suffocated Sevilla's fluid midfield and de Jong had to resort to latching on to balls pinged in from the flanks. The Dutch striker linked up well with Franco Vazquez and Sergio Reguilon and his good form bodes well for Sevilla in the long run.

#3 Casemiro

Real Madrid seems to have a knack of summoning at least one among several knights in shining armor to bail them out of terribly sticky situations, and Casemiro has been taking up that mantle with rapidly increasing frequency.

A defensive midfielder's primary role is to break up play and recycle possession within the middle of the pitch. With Casemiro, however, an innate Brazilian flair seems to take over, particularly when partners-in-crime Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are alongside him on the pitch. Their ability to put in a tenacious shift regularly gives Casemiro the license to roam into advanced areas on the pitch. In front of his home crowd against Sevilla, Casemiro's forward runs were devastating.

He opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a finish any striker would be proud of, running onto a sumptuous back-heel pass from Luka Jovic and lobbing it into the net. Casemiro also scored the winner for his team, heading home a Lucas Vazquez cross to earn his side all 3 points.

Casemiro's season statistics tell you all you need to know about the midfielder's ability on the pitch. In addition to his defensive prowess, the Brazilian has 6 goals and 3 assists to his name and has been one of their best players this season.

Zidane's Real Madrid side may not always be their dominant selves on the pitch, but with trump card Casemiro in the side, nothing seems impossible.

Real Madrid 2-1 Sevilla: 3 standout players in the fixture | La Liga 2019-20

#3 Eder Militao

#2 Luuk de Jong

#3 Casemiro