Real Madrid travelled to Sevilla on Sunday needing a win to return to the top of La Liga ahead of Barcelona.
The visitors dominated the early exchanges in Seville and took the lead in the 22nd minute courtesy of an over-head kick from Sergio Ramos, who was then forced off injured against his old club.
The two teams were level entering the break, however, courtesy of Ciro Immobile's effort in the 36th minute.
Sevilla took the lead for the first time in the match just past the hour when Ever Banega turned home from close range, before Fernando Llorente made it 3-1 in the 75th minute.
James Rodriguez scored a second for Real Madrid in stoppage time, but Sevilla secured all the points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadio Ramon as Sevilla welcome Real Madrid. It has been a stop-start campaign for Sevilla thus far, with Unai Emery's side thus far struggling for consistency. That has not been a problem for Real Madrid, however, who under Rafael Benitez, are still unbeaten in all competitions this season. It should be a cracking game tonight!
Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Rico; Mariano, Rami, Andreolli, Tremoulinas; N'Zonzi, Krychowiak; Konoplyanka, Banega, Vitolo; Immobile
REAL: Casilla; Danilo, Pepe, Ramos, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Bale, Ronaldo, Isco
So there we have it. Sevilla are still without their leading scorer Kevin Gameiro, who has a hamstring problem, which means that there is a rare start in the final third for Ciro Immobile, with the on-loan Italian preferred to Fernando Llorente. It is otherwise the XI that was expected to start in Seville, with Grzegorz Krychowiak, who signed a new deal last week, and Steven N'Zonzi selected in the middle of the park. In-form Yevhen Konoplyanka will once again operate on the left for the home side.
Real Madrid still have their injury problems with Keylor Navas, Marcelo and Karim Benzema among those unavailable to Rafael Benitez, but Gareth Bale returns to the XI following a calf problem. The Welshman comes into a front three that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco, while Nacho is given the nod at left-back. Portuguese Pepe also returns at centre-back in place of Raphael Varane.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now little over 15 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Seville. Both of these sides will enter the match off the back of Champions League fixtures during the week – Sevilla were beaten 3-1 in this stadium by Manchester City, but Real Madrid recorded a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain to book their spot in the round of 16.
Sevilla have only collected 12 points from their 10 La Liga fixtures this season and as a result, sit in 13th position in the table. After a poor start, they put together a run of three wins and a draw, but that came to an end last time out when they were beaten 2-1 at Villarreal. As it stands, they are nine points off the top four and will not want that gap to continue growing at this stage of the season.
Emery's side did beat Barcelona in Seville earlier in the campaign, however, and despite some blips this season, the Estadio Ramon remains one of the most difficult grounds to visit in Spain. Sevilla often raise their performance level when it is most needed and that is the case tonight, especially ahead of the upcoming international break, which further interrupts the season. I am not a fan!
As for Real Madrid, they have won seven and drawn three of their 10 league games this season and are also still unbeaten in all competitions. They have the best goal difference at this stage (+20) and are indeed the form team in the division. Each of their last two La Liga matches have brought 3-1 wins – away to Celta Vigo on October 24 and at home to Las Palmas last time out.
Real Madrid have dropped into second courtesy of Barcelona's 3-0 win over Villarreal earlier this afternoon, but Benitez's side would return to the summit with a win here. That would leave both teams on 27 points entering El Clasico on November 21, which is a game that needs no introduction. It is all going very well for Real Madrid, but lose tonight and lose El Clasico and they are suddenly six points behind the reigning champions. Kickoff is fast approaching in Seville here!
Rafael Benitez certainly has fond memories of this stadium having won the league title with Valencia on this very ground, while a certain Cristiano Ronaldo has five hat-tricks against Sevilla and 10 in his last five La Liga matches with the Andalusian side. What's more, Ronaldo, 30, has more La Liga goals against Sevilla (19) than any other team. Not great omens for the hosts tonight then!
© AFP
PREDICTION! Away win, just. Sevilla are very difficult to beat on their own patch, but I look at this Real Madrid XI and just see too much quality for the home side on this particular occasion. The visitors might well need to be patient, but I just think that they will come through 2-1 winners here.
As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. This is a very special ground with special supporters. Sevilla will hope that their 12th man comes good in this match tonight!
KICKOFF! The scene is set. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. What are we waiting for? Nothing is the answer. There is no down-playing the importance of this match, to both teams. Right, it is the visitors that get the first period underway here...
... Sevilla's league campaign has not gone to plan thus far, but they are still a brilliant team, especially on home soil. Just a sensational noise from the crowd as both sides attempt to settle into the early moments here. It is Real Madrid that have enjoyed the ball in the opening moments in Seville.
Almost a nervy moment for Krychowiak as the Sevilla midfielder collects a pass from his goalkeeper, but under pressure from Ronaldo, the Polish international manages to clear. Moments later, the visitors force a free kick in a good position when Konoplyanka brings Isco to the deck...
... Bale whips the set piece towards the near post, but Immobile is on hand to clear.
BOOKING! Nacho (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Vitolo.
There have been some really tasty challenges in the early exchanges here - it could be a busy game for the referee! Real Madrid are just starting to find their passing tempo in the final third and a cross from Danilo presents a half-chance to Bale, but the Welshman's header was always comfortable for Rico.
Immobile has been a willing runner for Sevilla in the early exchanges, but Real Madrid, as expected, have started this game in control of the football. Kroos and Modric exchange passes before Isco takes charge outside the Sevilla box, but the white shirts shuffle across and manage to nick the ball.
CHANCE! The first real chance of the match falls to Real Madrid as Pepe picks out Ronaldo's run with a super pass, but the attacker's effort is just blocked behind for a corner. Some pass from Pepe!
POST! Stunning strike from Nacho as the Real Madrid defender catches one on the half-volley, but his effort hits the inside of the post before bouncing away! Two excellent chances for Real!
Rico gets down to collect a deflected strike from Bale as the visitors continue to boss it here.
Bale, who has been very lively in the opening 14 minutes, finds space down the left before delivering, but Rico is on hand to claim. It is simply all one-way traffic at the moment in Seville.
Sevilla just cannot get into this game at the moment as Krychowiak dives into a tackle with Nacho, which brings another free kick to Real Madrid. Modric delivers towards the far post, but Rico is on hand to punch clear for another set piece. It seems only a matter of time before the visitors score here.
Ronaldo strikes one on the bounce outside the Sevilla box, but Rami's frame is in the way. The hosts break down the other end, but Immobile cannot meet a long pass from Banega. Still 0-0 here.
Banega has his pocket picked in the middle of the park before Kroos sets up Bale, but the Welshman's cross into Ronaldo is cleared. Immobile remains a willing runner for the home team, but the striker has struggled for service in the opening 20 minutes. Sevilla need a spell of possession.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid (Ramos)
Wonderful, just wonderful. Ramos has hurt himself, but the centre-back has sent Real Madrid here with a wonderful over-head kick from inside the Sevilla box. It was just stunning from the Spaniard, who, with the ball behind him, managed to get his foot over it and find the bottom corner. Wow!
Ramos has been struggling with a shoulder issue in recent weeks and his landing after that excellent effort seems to have caused him a problem. Real Madrid have another opportunity as Bale drives into the Sevilla box, but his effort is straight at Rico. The visitors are in total control here.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is a reflection of Sevilla's performance in the opening 27 minutes. They have not been allowed to put a glove on Real here.
Bale heads a Danilo cross over the crossbar as Sevilla come under pressure again.
CHANCE! Sevilla come close to an unlikely leveller as Tremoulinas delivers a sensational cross towards Immobile, but Pepe just makes first contact and the ball flashes away for a corner!
I feel your pain Sergio, my shoulder hurts at the moment as well...
PIC: Sergio Ramos! pic.twitter.com/HHmRhb4ibO
— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) November 8, 2015
SAVE! Bale curls one from the edge of the box, but Rico manages to push the attacker's effort wide of the post. Real Madrid are going to be forced into a change here. Ramos off...
REAL MADRID SUB! Ramos is off for Raphael Varane.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville and the home side just cannot get a foot-hold in this game at the moment. It has been a half utterly dominated by the visitors thus far.
SAVE! Sevilla come close to levelling as Krychowiak meets a corner from the left, but Nacho just does enough to put the Pole off and indeed force another corner. Excellent defending!
GOAL! Sevilla 1-1 Real Madrid (Immobile)
Football! Sevilla just have not been in this game, but they are level with 36 minutes on the clock as Immobile converts from a wide angle after a corner had somehow been allowed to reach the far post. It is an excellent finish from the striker, but I am not sure about some of the defending there!
BOOKING! Immobile (Sevilla) is booked for taking his shirt off!
Sevilla only really know how to play one way and full-blown attack is the approach that they need to get the supporters onside. It has been much, much better in the fast five or so minutes here.
CHANCE! Super chance for the home side and indeed Immobile to score a second as a low cross from Tremoulinas finds the Italian at the far post, but he can only poke his effort wide of the post. Suddenly Real Madrid's defence has been thrown into disarray! Some turnaround here!
Sevilla did not turn up for the opening 20 minutes or so, but they have turned up now and look the team more likely to score a second before the end of the first period. Sometimes big matches are a let-down, but this has been a sensational game of football. I do not want the first half to end here!
Wonderful defending from Modric as the Croatian gets down to deny Tremoulinas, who had another opportunity after the referee allowed a good advantage. Real Madrid break down the other end moments later and Casemiro thumps one from outside the box, but his effort just fizzed wide!
One additional minute will be played at the end of the first period.
Isco has a low strike deflected wide of the post after another quick counter from Real.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings this wonderful first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Sevilla simply did not turn up for the opening 30 minutes, with Real Madrid deservedly leading through a Ramos over-head kick. The hosts improved as the half developed, however, and equalised in the 36th minute through Immobile. It has been a wonderful half of action at the Estadio Ramon!
STATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had 12 attempts, four of which were on target. As for Sevilla, they scored with their only attempt on target in that first period. It has been a spicy half in terms of tackles, meanwhile, and two yellows have been awarded here.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Krohn-Dehli, Llorente and Reyes all capable of making an impact. As for Real Madrid, Benitez has options in the shape of Jese, Kovacic, James and Vasquez. However, the visitors have already been forced into one change, goal-scorer Ramos leaving injured for Raphael Varane.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. More of the same please! It is the home side that get the second 45 minutes underway in Seville...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the game progresses. Sevilla have a half-chance as Konoplyanka finds space outside the box, but his powerful strike was always moving wide of the post.
Real Madrid have just started to take control of the possession once again, with Modric and Kroos enjoying touches in the middle of the park. There is more intensity about Sevilla at the moment, however, and they look capable of scoring each time they commit numbers in the final third.
Banega has a goal-bound strike blocked for the home side as Sevilla once again cause problems inside the Real Madrid box. Not sure what has happened to Los Blancos' back four this evening!
Half-chance for Bale this time, but his effort is straight at Rico.
CHANCE! Real Madrid again work a good opportunity as Ronaldo sets up Kroos outside the box, but his low strike just moves wide of the post. It is so delicately poised at the Estadio Ramon here.
Konoplyanka's dancing feet work some space outside the Real box, but after cutting inside, the Ukraine international fires over the crossbar. Both teams are having opportunities in this game.
Danilo is a shade fortunate to escape a booking after bringing Konoplyanka to the ground. It is Sevilla that are looking the most likely at the moment, but this game could swing either way.
Immobile collects another cross from a wide area before working a yard and striking, but Pepe gets enough on the challenge, before Ronaldo has one deflected wide of the post down the other end.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and we are still all square in Seville. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as both teams continue to commit men forward. Mariano is the latest player to have a go for the home side, but his strike is wide of the post.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid (Banega)
Oh how football can change! Sevilla take the lead just past the hour at the Estadio Ramon as Banega converted from close range following a super low cross from Konoplyanka, who took out two defenders and the Real Madrid goalkeeper. This game has been turned on its head here!
James Rodriguez is preparing to enter the field for Real here.
REAL MADRID SUB! Isco is replaced by James for the visitors.
Still time for Real Madrid to turn this game around, but Sevilla are full of confidence at the moment. The visitors have a half-chance when Kroos strikes from distance, but Rico tips over the crossbar.
Sevilla are first to every ball at the moment, which is further increasing the atmosphere inside the stadium. Real Madrid need one off their big players to come forward, but after meeting a through pass from Kroos, Ronaldo's scuffed effort is collected by Rico. Little over 20 minutes remaining here.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo, but this time, the 30-year-old fires wide of the post after some loose defending from Sevilla. You still get the feeling that there are more goals in this game.
CHANCE! Super work from James, who slides an excellent pass into Bale, but there are no takers on the Welshman's low cross into the box. Bit of a let-off for the home side there!
SEVILLA SUB! Fernando Llorente replaces Immobile for the hosts.
Bale again misses the target as Sevilla keep their 2-1 lead in tact with 71 minutes played.
Super defending from Varane as the Frenchman clears a volleyed cross from Mariano, which had beaten Casilla in the Real Madrid goal. James carries the fight down the other end, but Rami gets in the way before Bale is crowded out in a wide position. End-to-end football in Seville at the moment!
SAVE! Super save from Rico as the Sevilla stopper gets down to deny a Casemiro header, which seemed destined for the back of the net. Excellent work from the goalkeeper there!
GOAL! Sevilla 3-1 Real Madrid (Llorente)
Daylight in Seville! The home side have their third of the evening and now a two-goal lead over Real Madrid as Llorente heads a super Mariano cross into the back of the net. It was once again poor defending from the visitors, who allowed the Spanish international to rise unmarked and score!
Sevilla are threatening more goals here as Llorente drives forward from the back before feeding another pass into Mariano, who delivers towards the near post, but Casilla manages to clear!
SAVE! Casilla gets down to save from Banega as the home side threaten a fourth goal here. Real Madrid's back four are at sixes and sevens at the moment. Quite incredible turnaround here!
SEVILLA SUB! Krohn-Dehli replaces Banega for the hosts.
REAL MADRID SUB! Jese Rodriguez replaces Kroos for Real.
If it stays like this, Barcelona will enter El Clasico with a three-point lead at the top of the table. Real Madrid lose that and suddenly there is clear daylight. This would be a big defeat for Real here.
James fires over the crossbar as Real show more wayward finishing.
This has been a very bizarre game. Sevilla were absolutely dominated in the opening 30 minutes, but have somehow managed to turn it around. Real Madrid have been poor since the break.
SEVILLA SUB! Andreolli is replaced by Kolo for the home side.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but that is exactly what Sevilla would have had in mind. Surely Emery's side are closing on all three points here.
It has not been Ronaldo's night here and the 30-year-old is again denied outside the box, which sums up his night. Bale has also struggled after making such a bright start to the game.
Sevilla continue to clear their lines as we wait for the stoppage-time board to appear here!
Three additional minutes to be played in Seville.
The home supporters are enjoying this as their team keeps possession with full-time approaching. There might well be some finger-pointing in the Real Madrid dressing room after this match.
GOAL! Sevilla 3-2 Real Madrid (James)
Real Madrid have one back as James finds the bottom corner, but surely the full-time whistle will be blown when Sevilla restart the game. Cracking finish from the Colombian though!
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 3-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. James gets one back for Real Madrid late on, but the final whistle blows with Sevilla running out 3-2 winners. It was a wonderful game, but Sevilla have now moved into the top half of the table, while Real Madrid remain second. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action!
