Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Modric’s late strike helps Real beat Sevilla

• Real Madrid beat Sevilla 1-0 on Sunday evening to move eight points clear at the top of La Liga
• Luka Modric scored the only goal of the match in the 81st minute shortly after coming on as a substitute

The Real Madrid vs Sevilla fixture played on Sunday evening ended in a 1-0 victory for the Los Blancos, with Luka Modric scoring the only goal of the match in the 81st minute.

Real thought they had taken the lead early on but Lucas Vazquez’s strike was chalked off after a lengthy VAR review in which the referee concluded that Nacho Fernandez had fouled Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri in the build-up to the goal.

It looked as if both sides were going to settle for a goalless draw before Real Madrid’s legendary midfielder came on as a substitute and won the match for his side with a sublime finish. The Croatian reacted first to a poor defensive header and whipped a fine effort in off the post from outside the box with less than 10 minutes to play.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla. Photo by theSun/ Daily News.

Real Madrid, who were without England international Jude Bellingham for a third consecutive match, are on top of the La Liga standings with 65 points. They are eight points above second placed FC Barcelona and nine above third placed Girona, who have a game in hand.

Real Madrid Vs Sevilla 

As expected, Real Madrid showed dominance right from the start of the match. However, it was the visitors who had the first big chance of the game when Isaac Romero picked out En-Nesyri with a perfect pass. The Moroccan striker who had only the keeper to beat, surprisingly blazed his shot horribly wide.

Real then started a move which would result in a goal by Lucas Vazquez. However, it was ruled out following a VAR review because Nacho had tackled En-Nesyri in the build up.

Led by Sergio Ramos at the back, Sevilla defended well in the first period and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was tested just once, tipping over Federico Valverde’s long-range effort in added time.

The hosts picked up from where they had left in the second period with Brahim Diaz and Valverde finding each other before the Uruguayan’s strike was saved by Nyland.

On the other end, Lunin denied Romero from a promising position after he was set on goal by Lucas Ocampos. Rodrygo then embarked on a dazzling run, which unfortunately ended with him curling the ball narrowly wide. Vinicius Jr. also tried his luck but was denied by Nyland.

Luka Modric, who was introduced in the match with around 15 minutes left to play, brought down Loic Balde’s clearing header before curling in seven minutes after his introduction. It seemed that Antonio Rudiger might have interfered with the play from an offside position but the referee waved away the protests from Sevilla players.

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric celebrating with his teammates after scoring the winning goal with nine minutes of normal time left to play. Photo/ beIN SPORTS.

While the win earned them three points, Ancelotti might have wanted it to be more comfortable, especially at home. Speaking after the match, the Italian manager praised Luka Modric, who has recently not been getting regular playing time.

“[Modric] deserved it today. He scored a great goal. He contributed a lot when he came on, he brought freshness. It’s difficult to leave him on the bench. The way he trains every day, he’s an example for the whole squad.” Carlo Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference after the Real Madrid vs Sevilla, as per ESPN.

Modric is expected to leave this summer when his contract expires after 12 years with the Los Blancos. The Croatian has won 24 trophies with Madrid, including five Champions League titles. However, he has faced increased competition in midfield in the past few seasons due to the arrival of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.