Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla: Match Player Ratings โ A Thrilling Encounter
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Sevilla in a thrilling encounter that showcased both attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities. The match, a rollercoaster of goals and near misses, left fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Let's delve into the individual performances, providing detailed player ratings and analysis.
Real Madrid Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois (7.5/10): Courtois had a relatively quiet first half, but was called into action several times in the second. He made a couple of crucial saves, particularly one from a powerful Ivan Rakitic free-kick, preventing Sevilla from narrowing the gap further. While he couldn't prevent both Sevilla goals, his overall performance was solid.
Dani Carvajal (7/10): Carvajal provided his usual energy and attacking impetus down the right flank. His crosses were a constant threat, and his defensive contributions were generally solid, though he was occasionally caught out of position.
รder Militรฃo (7.5/10): Militรฃo was a rock at the back for Real Madrid. He was composed in possession, won numerous aerial duels, and made several crucial interceptions. His partnership with Rรผdiger was crucial in maintaining defensive stability.
Antonio Rรผdiger (8/10): Rรผdigerโs physical presence and commanding style were instrumental in neutralizing Sevilla's attack. He won countless headers, dealt with aerial threats effectively, and displayed his usual aggressive yet controlled defending. A strong performance from the German international.
Ferland Mendy (7/10): Mendy provided defensive solidity on the left flank and contributed effectively in the attacking phase. His overlapping runs were a positive feature of Real Madrid's play down the left. While not as spectacular as some of his teammates, his consistency was vital.
Aurรฉlien Tchouamรฉni (8/10): Tchouamรฉni once again showed his class in midfield. He controlled the tempo of the game, made timely tackles, and displayed his impressive range of passing. He was a key figure in disrupting Sevilla's midfield play and launching attacks.
Luka Modriฤ (8.5/10): Modriฤ orchestrated Real Madridโs midfield with his customary elegance and intelligence. His passing was exquisite, his vision impeccable, and his work rate exemplary, even at his age. A masterful performance from a midfield legend.
Federico Valverde (9/10): Valverde was a tireless force in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively. His relentless energy and driving runs caused constant problems for Sevilla. He also capped off his display with a crucial goal. A standout performer.
Vinรญcius Jรบnior (9.5/10): Vinรญcius Jรบnior was unplayable at times. His pace, skill, and dribbling ability tormented Sevilla's defenders. He constantly created opportunities and scored a stunning goal, displaying his exceptional talent. Man of the Match contender.
Karim Benzema (8/10): Benzema showcased his clinical finishing ability, scoring one goal and creating several chances. While not at his prolific best, his contributions were still vital to Real Madrid's victory. His link-up play with Vinรญcius was particularly effective.
Rodrygo (8/10): Rodrygo scored a crucial goal, showcasing his clinical finishing and composure in front of goal. He worked tirelessly, contributed defensively and created several opportunities with his sharp movement and precise passing.
Sevilla Player Ratings:
Yassine Bounou (6/10): Bounou made a few good saves, but ultimately couldn't prevent the goals from coming. He was let down by his defense on several occasions.
Jesรบs Navas (6.5/10): Navas provided experience and energy down the right flank. His defensive work was solid, but he offered limited attacking threat.
Nemanja Gudelj (6/10): Gudelj struggled to contain Real Madrid's midfield, particularly Valverde and Modriฤ. He was often overrun and failed to provide the necessary defensive shield.
Marcao (5.5/10): Marcao had a difficult game against Real Madrid's potent attack. He was often outmuscled and struggled to contain Benzema and Vinรญcius Jรบnior.
Alex Telles (6/10): Telles offered some attacking impetus down the left flank but was exposed defensively on several occasions.
Joan Jordรกn (6/10): Jordรกn worked hard in midfield but was unable to exert the necessary control, often being overrun by Real Madrid's dynamic midfielders.
Ivan Rakitic (7/10): Rakitic's experience and passing range were Sevilla's biggest assets. He provided a creative spark in midfield and tested Courtois with a few dangerous free-kicks. One of Sevillaโs better performers.
Lucas Ocampos (6.5/10): Ocampos created a few chances and was a persistent threat, but lacked the final product to truly impact the game.
Erik Lamela (7/10): Lamela provided some creativity and a goal for Sevilla, adding attacking spark to an otherwise subdued performance.
Rafa Mir (6/10): Mir worked tirelessly and caused some problems for Real Madrid's defense, but his finishing was inaccurate.
Youssef En-Nesyri (6/10): En-Nesyri scored a goal but struggled to impose himself on the game as often as he might have liked.
Overall:
The match was a captivating display of attacking football, with Real Madridโs superior quality ultimately proving decisive. Sevilla showed glimpses of their potential, particularly through the creativity of Rakitic and the goalscoring prowess of Lamela and En-Nesyri, but ultimately their defensive frailties were exposed against Real Madrid's dynamic attacking force. The final scoreline reflects the game's flow, with Real Madrid deserving winners. The individual performances highlighted the quality within both squads, showcasing a thrilling encounter that will be remembered for its goals and excitement.