Real Madrid survived a scare in the second leg of their Copa Del Rey tie against Sevilla. The Jorge Sampaoli-led side was leading 3-1 with 10 minutes before a magical comeback thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema kept Madrid's unbeaten run on track. Real have now gone on to 40 matches without a loss, with their last defeat coming against Wolfsburg in the quarters of the Champions League last season.
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Sevilla went ahead with a Danilo own goal in the first half before a stunning run from Marco Asensio from his box to the other levelled the proceedings at the Ramon Sanchez Piszjuan in the second half.
New signing Stevan Jovetic and Vitor Iborra made it 3-1 and raised hopes of an unthinkable comeback. Real had won the first leg 3-0 at the Bernabeu but had to fight till the last kick of the game to maintain their unbeaten run. Let's take a look at the five talking points from a thrilling game in Andalusia:
#1 Real Madrid - 40 and going strong
When Barcelona scripted a new record in Spanish football by going 39 matches unbeaten last season, it was believed that something unique will be required to get close to that record. Zinedine Zidane's men not only got close, they equalled and then they bettered it against an inspired title challenger. Incidentally, Real broke their rivals, undefeated record last season and now have gone eight months without tasting defeat.
One thing that has eluded the European royalty is a treble of league, cup and Champions League; a dream that looks quite a possibility this season. Zidane himself has admitted to treble being on his mind considering the current form his side is in. Real have already won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup this season and it will be interesting to see how many accolades are won by them at the end to commemorate this 40 match run.
#2 Monchi still doing wonders for Sevilla
Sporting director of Sevilla, Monchi is considered as one of the best in his business. Monchi has been crediting with unearthing value for money players who have gone on to create solid squads at a relatively low budget. Monchi has always maintained his desire to punch above his weight as Sevilla is doing just that in the current season under him and manager Jorge Sampaoli. While other teams are struggling to lure their targets this month, Sevilla made two signings and both started in the draw against Real Madrid.
Three days ago, Stevan Jovetic joined on loan from Inter Milan and scored the second goal against the reigning European champions. Jovetic is expected to play a huge role in Sevilla's run in each competition that they are in. Clement Lenglet, meanwhile, joined in from Clancy and at just 21 years of age, made his debut against Real. He is a defender to watch out for in the coming seasons.
#3 Both sides gave first preference to La Liga
Real Madrid and Sevilla will play again on Sunday at the Ramon Sanchez Piszjuan in a tie which has a lot riding on it. A three-way battle is the flavour of Spanish first division this season with a Sevilla win reducing the deficit between them and the league leaders to just one point.
With Real eyeing their first league title in five years, Zidane rested the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric whereas Sevilla resting their first team stars like Samir Nasri, Steven N'Zonzi and Vitolo. If Real drop points soon then the likes of Sevilla and FC Barcelona are ready breathing down their neck.
#4 Marco Asensio efforts rewarded with a goal
A goal that will make Gareth Bale proud who scored a similar goal against Barcelona in the same competition which Marc Bartra would still have nightmares about. In the 48th minute, the boy from Majorca received the ball after Kiko Casilla punched the ball from a corner.
Asensio ran from his penalty box to Sevilla's in a matter of seconds as the chasing Kranevitter had no chance of stopping the youngster. He thundered ahead with pace and before being closed down, slotted the ball home past a despairing Sergio Rico.
#5 It's not just about BBC anymore with Real Madrid
In the earlier seasons, Real Madrid's dependence on the trio of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema was immense. The trio's contribution is still high but with the youngsters emerging in the squad and sharing the workload, the pressure on the front three has reduced which is reflecting on the results. BBC's goal ratio with the club's total goals scored is 42.17% and is a staggering 20% less when compared to the trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar.
The scoring ability of Madrid's squad has enabled Zidane to cope with long-term injuries to Gareth Bale and Casemiro this season. 12 Real Madrid players have scored 4 goals or more this season which is a testament to their brilliant run. From the first team squad, Fabio Coentrao remains the only outfield player to not have scored for Real in the 2016-17 season.
