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Real Madrid played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Sevilla at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium in the latest round of La Liga 2020/21 games.
Fernando opened the scoring for the visitors in the 22nd minute, which was followed by an equalizer by Marco Asensio in the 67th minute. Ivan Rakitic then put Sevilla ahead again at the 78th-minute mark, but Toni Kroos's deflected strike in stoppage time ensured that Los Blancos walked away with a point.
In a game that had its fair share of controversial moments, Real Madrid certainly looked the better side in the 90 minutes but weren't sharp enough to create scoring chances in the opposition box.
With that said, let's take a look at five major talking points from the high-profile clash-
#5 Sevilla's defense kept them in the game
Sevilla's defense was superb on the night, not allowing Real Madrid to create clear-cut opportunities throughout the game. Madrid had a lion's share of possession in the Sevilla half, but had to be content from trying their luck from distance and crosses from the flanks.
Julen Lopetegui has stuck with the centre-back pairing of Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos since his arrival, and the duo were excellent on the night as per usual.
Carlos was unfortunate to end up with an own goal against his name, but registered seven clearances, a blocked shot and an interception on the night. Kounde finished the game with four clearances, keeping Karim Benzema and co. at bay for the majority of the game.
#4- Real Madrid showed their elite mentality in the second-half
After a rather dull display in the first 45 minutes, Real Madrid exhibited the winner's DNA they are famously known for in the second half of the match. Their midfield trio, especially Toni Kroos, turned it up a notch, pestering Sevilla with his accurate passes in the middle of the pitch. Eventually, it was his strike in the dying moments which led to Diego Carlos' own goal.
Zinedine Zidane has mostly had to work with an undermanned squad for the majority of the season, but his starting XI has rarely let him down. Players like Karim Benzema, Casemiro and Kroos have shown that even if Real Madrid miss out on the crown this season, they will be back with more hunger in the next campaign, thanks to their elite mentality.
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#3- Julen Lopetegui and Sevilla are made for each other
If tonight's draw ends up denying Real Madrid the La Liga title this season, some sort of poetic justice will be served, considering Julen Lopetegui has a hand in it. The Spanish manager was unceremoniously sacked from the club in 2018, without being given a full season to implement his tactics.
The coach then took up the Sevilla job, which has turned out to be a perfect marriage so far. The former Porto coach led the team to Europa League glory in his first season, and the side looks set for a top-4 finish in his sophomore year. Tonight's result proved that Sevilla are a team that has to be taken seriously, and Lopetegui deserves due credit for that.
#2- Marcelo's best days are certainly behind him
The once mercurial Marcelo had another sub-par display for Los Blancos tonight, as the Brazilian failed to impact proceedings in any form before eventually getting subbed off in the 66th minute. Marcelo put in 4 crosses tonight, however, and only one was successful, a statistic that outlines the kind of night the left-back had.
With Ferland Mendy cementing his place as first-choice left-back, it's time Real Madrid started looking for alternatives for the back-up option as well. That could and should mean curtains for Marcelo, who clearly doesn't have enough gas in the tank left to compete at this level.
#1- The hand-ball rule continues to confuse fans and players alike
In the 77th minute, Karim Benzema raced clear towards Sevilla's goal, rounding the keeper and eventually getting fouled. Real Madrid were expected to get a spot-kick out of the sequence, but after a VAR check, Sevilla were awarded a penalty as Militao handled the ball in his own box in the build-up.
However, in an incident prior to that, Diego Carlos ended up being in a similar situation, but no action was taken against the Sevilla centre-half. The handball rules have been extremely inconsistent this season, leading to confusion between players, managers and even fans.
Titles are decided by fine margins, and a more consistent approach will certainly be more beneficial going forward.
