'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-1 to secure a hard-fought victory to go four points clear atop the La Liga table.
Rafa Mir opened the scoring for Sevilla with a thumping header in the 12th minute. Following the opener, Sevilla took complete control of the game, pushing forward in search of their second goal of the game.
Things turned in favour of Los Blancos when Yassine Bounou's save off Eder Militao in the 32nd minute ricocheted off the post. That fell kindly to Karim Benzema who scored the equaliser.
After the restart, Real Madrid looked determined to bag all three points. They kept pushing through Marco Asensio, Benzema and Vinicius Junior. The hosts finally got their winner midway through the second half when Vinicius Jr rocketed one in from distance to seal the game in favour of Real Madrid.
On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5 Thibaut Courtois was Real Madrid's unsung hero of the night
Thibaut Courtois was exceptional for Real Madrid against Sevilla. The Belgian was the busier of the two keepers. Although he conceded one in the opening minutes of the game, there was nothing he could have done to keep that one out.
Sevilla could have doubled their advantage minutes after scoring their first of the night. But the 29-year-old made a brilliant stop to deny the visitors.
Courtois made an important save in stoppage time as well to defend Real Madrid's lead.
#4 Real Madrid need to start games with more energy
Real Madrid started the game sluggishly. Sevilla looked like scoring every time they marched forward. The hosts made numerous mistakes in the opening half, inviting unwarranted pressure. Real Madrid gave away possession quite cheaply, and found it difficult to take charge of proceedings.
Madrid were caught napping for Sevilla's opener. None of the defenders marked Mir, who headed one past Courtois. They nearly conceded their second of the night minutes later. But thanks to David Alaba and Courtois, they managed to keep their citadel intact.
Real Madrid stepped up only after the first quarter of the game was gone. So manager Carlo Ancelotti will have a lot to ponder about after this game.
#3 Sevilla put up a great fight against Real Madrid
The final result may paint a different picture, but Sevilla put in a valiant effort against Real Madrid. Julen Lopetegui organised his troops well. The visitors were never short of confidence. They came to the Santiago Bernabeu, and dominated Real Madrid for most of the opening half.
Sevilla looked quite comfortable playing the ball out from the back. Their transitions and counterattacks were bang on as well. Their constant pressure unsettled Real Madrid's defenders on many occasions.
#2 Vinicius Jr continues his red-hot form
Vinicius Jr. scored a brilliant goal to bag all three points for Real Madrid. The Brazilian struck an absolute beauty, giving Yassine Bounou no chance. The Brazilian is transforming into one of the best players in his age bracket.
Although he was quiet against Sevilla, going his usual standards, Vinicius turned up the screw when it mattered most.
The 21-year-old chested the ball down beautifully before smashing it in. He rightfully bagged the Man of the Match award for his decisive strike on the night.
#1 Real Madrid go four points clear at the top
Real Madrid opened up a four-point gap atop the table with their thumping win over Sevilla. Los Blancos have amassed 33 points in 14 games thus far. Holders Atletico Madrid are second with 29 points.
The Rojiblancos maintained the pressure on the league leaders following a convincing win against Cadiz earlier this week. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, who also have 29 points after 15 matches, dropped key points after losing to Espanyol.
Real Madrid overcame a tough opponent to strengthen their position atop the league table. But they cannot afford to take a breather, as they face Athletic Club next.
