Real Madrid kicked off their 2017 calendar year with a sound 3-0 victory over Andalusian club Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16. James Rodriguez scored 2 goals in the first half in one of his rare starts, while Raphael Varane scored the second of Real’s three with a header in the 29th minute. This game also marked Zidane’s anniversary as Real’s main man on the touchline.
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The result gives Zidane the chance to field a more experimental lineup in their second leg clash, scheduled a week from now at the Ramon Sanchez Pizquan. Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 James Rodriguez stars in rare start
Real manager Zidane chose to rotate Real’s rather injury-ravaged squad for this game, as he rested Cristiano Ronaldo and replaced the injured Gareth Bale with the Colombian playmaker. As has been the case throughout his time at the club, James did not disappoint on this occasion either, making use of his game time to stamp his authority as the best player in the game.
His first goal was a thing of beauty, while also showcasing his tactical nous as he converted a loose ball opportunity from way outside the penalty areas in the 11th minute. James continued to exert his influence on Real’s buildup play throughout the game and also scored the hosts’ third goal in the 44th minute with a penalty.
#2 Sevilla bow down to Real’s early pressure
A crucial element of their game plan which helped Real settle the result quickly was their high intensity pressing against the Sevillistas. The Andalusian capital club just could not withstand Real’s extremely organised pressing pattern and caved in right from the start and were lucky to go into halftime trailing only 3-0.
Real’s first goal came as a result of this strategy. Casemiro dispossessed Steven N’Zonzi deep in Sevilla’s own half as Los Blancos played with 8 of their outfield players in the attacking half. James pounced on the loose ball, took a touch to set himself and put the ball into Sergio Rico’s near post with a neatly placed finish from 20 yards out.
#3 Sergio Rico proves his credentials
The Spanish goalkeeper has been out of the limelight as one of Spain’s unnoticed custodians, despite turning in wonderful shifts for Sevilla in the last 3 seasons. Rico has tough competition to deal with, in the form of Italian international Salvatore Sirigu and designated Europa League keeper David Soria.
Rico was the main reason why Real were unable to score more than 3, as he made a number of goal-saving interventions – either in the form of saves, or by reading balls into the penalty area correctly. His best save of the game denied Marcelo a wonderful volley on the 28-minute mark. He was up for the challenge all night and saved Sevilla’s haywire defence some blushes on the night.
#4 Kiko Casilla stakes his claim
Samir Nasri, Ganso, Vitolo and Joaquin Correa comprised a rather dangerous front four for the Andalusians. Jorge Sampaoli’s tactics allowed the front four to break quickly on the counter, but Real were able to mostly keep them in check.
Sevilla were not short on chances to score in the game, as they fashioned two glorious opportunities in the first half. Kiko Casilla made a glorious save from Joaquin Correa in the 35th minute. His best save of the game came in the 41st minute, however, as Vitolo beat the Real offside trap to go clear on goal, but Casilla stood firm to deny the Spanish inverted winger.
Casilla has been in great form for Real in the chances that he has had this season. With Keylor Navas unable to display the same form that he did last season, it remains to be seen if Real look to their home-bred keeper, should Navas continue his below-par performances.
#5 Real Madrid’s unbeaten streak shows no signs of stopping
Sevilla have been one of the best-performing Spanish sides in the last 2 decades or so, and have often caused Real jitters over the years. In their first faceoff of the new year, Sevilla were expected to pose a sterner test for the capital side.
Eventually, the scoreline was quite a fair reflection of the dominance exerted by Los Merengues. Real could even have had more than their 3-goal halftime lead but for the profligacy of Alvaro Morata (who missed an easy chance in the first 10 minutes) and Luka Modric (who could have doubled Real’s 1-0 lead by the 25th minute).
With 2 of their 3 upcoming fixtures scheduled against Sevilla and the form that they have shown in this match, Real’s unbeaten streak looks set to continue for at least the rest of January.
