Sevilla 2-3 Real Madrid: Five talking points

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick ended Sevilla’s long unbeaten run at home as Real Madrid squeezed out a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Andalusians.Having lost their last 2 trips to Sanchez Pizjuan, Real came into this fixture wary of Sevilla’s dominance at home and were in desperate need of a win to remain in the hunt for the league title. After an opening few minutes of close control by the home side, Blancos snatched the lead by Ronaldo’s close range header and doubled their advantage just 96 seconds later when the Portuguese was once on target with a tap-in from point-blank range.In-form Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca reduced the deficit for the hosts from the spot just minutes before half-time, but Ronaldo restored Real’s two-goal cushion deep in the second half with yet another exquisite header. The hosts did not abandon hope and continued to press high up and were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Iborra struck the bottom corner in the 79th minute after a defensive muddle in Real’s half.The pulsating encounter ended 3-2 in Real’s favour although the Sevillistas had a handful of chances to equalize later in the game. The Whites return to the Spanish capital with all three points in the bag. Here are the 5 talking points from the game.

#1 Sevilla\'s home dominion ends finally

On 9th February last year, Barcelona thrashed Sevilla 4-1 at Sanchez Pizjuan and since then, the latter would go on to play 35 games in all competitions at home, albeit, all unbeaten. Sevilla’s home turf had turned into a fortress of sorts. Going away with even a point from there had become a Herculean task. But all fairytales come to an end and for Sevilla, it was this day. Their long unbeaten run at home was finally drawn to a close.

Ronaldo’s quickfire brace spelt trouble for the hosts but a Carlos Bacca penalty induced a sense of credence in them. Sevilla continued to fret and faff after the scoreline read 3-1 in the visitors’ favour but their high pressing led into another goal when Iborra slotted a close range finish 11 minutes from time. Real’s lack of cohesion in the defence nearly cost them the win when the hosts came dead close to equalise in the final few minutes.

Nevertheless, the men in black withstood the late onslaught and ended Sevilla’s hegemony at home.

#2 Sevilla expose Real Madrid\'s defensive frailities

Defensive glitches are something the reigning European champions have dealt with all season. It has landed them in hot water in some big games and today, it would have cost them their 3 crucial points. But Real were lucky not to.

Time and again, the hosts sliced through Madrid’s defence like a knife through butter and created a plethora of chances throughout the game. Marcelo’s darting runs forward left ample of space at the back which the Sevillans gleefully exploited. Real were constantly caught on the counter and were lucky not to concede more than 2 goals.

What the game showed was that although Real have the fourth best defensive record in the league, having surrendered 32 goals in 35 games, they still don't have an impenetrable defence. Real survived the scare this time as they were able to outscore their adversaries, but it might be a real deal in the Champions League where they will be facing more potent attack in Juventus in the upcoming semi-final clash.

A matter of real concern for Real Madrid.

#3 Bale returns with a telling impact

After spending two weeks on the sidelines with a calf injury, world’s most expensive player Gareth Bale returned to the squad against Sevilla and was brought on in the final 25 minutes of the game. The scoreline read 2-1 in Real’s favour and within seconds of coming on, the Welsh winger made a huge impact on the game when he delivered an outrageous cross to Ronaldo, which the Portuguese nonchalantly nodded home to complete his hat-trick on the night.

Thereafter, Bale continued to have his footprint on the game. He ran up to players, kept possession in the final third and also played a part in the defence which was seen fragile at times.

The Welshman has had an indifferent season with the Blancos, but last evening was a glimpse of the potential he has in him. With just a few more games left into this season, it is imperative for Bale to offer more like this and help Real end the season with a silverware.

#4 Ancelotti\'s disregard towards lllara may just trigger a move for him

If Ancelotti’s lack of trust in Asier Illarramendi wasn't apparent already, it certainly is by now. The Spaniard, despite being fit and rearing to go, was overlooked by the gaffe in favour of Sergio Ramos, who was once again thrusted back in the midfield.

Illarramendi was although handed a rare start in the midweek clash against Almeria, but was called off just after the hour mark and it was a similar case last evening too when he was brought on for Isco with only six minutes of game-time left. While Ramos is adept in intercepting play and making challenges, he doesn't contribute too much in terms of on-the-ball action, something which is associative with Illarramendi. But Ancelotti is completely oblivious to it.

The Italian’s persistent slip up on the 25-year old may just be the final nail in Illarramendi’s Madrid coffin.

#5 Ronaldo responds to Messi

Just a few hours ago before Madrid’s tie against Sevilla, Barcelona had walloped bottom side Cordoba by 8 unanswered goals and their talisman Lionel Messi stole a march over Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring charts with a brace. The Portuguese had to respond to keep his 3rd Pichichi trophy in check but did so, with great elan.

Having failed to find the net in the last three outings for Real, frustration had reached a boiling point for him which was quite apparent in the midweek following his reaction after Arbeloa’s goal. But the wait was worth it as he showed up in the biggest of the games left.

The Real Madrid forward had a terrific night on an individual basis. Ronaldo showed great movements off the ball and escaped markers inside the area with his trickery and lightening fast speed. He stole the show for the evening with an amazing treble, two sublime headers and one close range finish, that takes his tally now to 42 in the league for this season, 2 more than his Argentinian nemesis.

For the matter of fact, this was Ronaldo’s 29th treble in Madrid colours and 25th in the league, the highest in their history.