Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid: 5 talking points as Los Blancos grab crucial win | La Liga 2020-21

Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander
Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

#3 Vinicius Jr. is Real Madrid's best winger

Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander
Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

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

Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander
Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

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

Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander
Sevilla FC v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

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.

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