Real Madrid vs Sevilla 4-2: Player Grades – A Dominant Display
Real Madrid secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Sevilla in a captivating La Liga clash. While the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the match was far from straightforward, showcasing both the attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of Carlo Ancelotti's side. Let's delve into individual player performances with detailed grades:
Real Madrid Player Grades:
Thibaut Courtois (7/10): A solid performance from the Belgian shot-stopper. While he couldn't prevent both Sevilla goals, he made several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, to keep Real Madrid in control. His command of the area remained consistent.
Dani Carvajal (7.5/10): A tireless performance down the right flank. Carvajal provided consistent width, offering both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. His crossing was accurate, and his defensive contributions were invaluable in neutralizing Sevilla's left flank.
Éder Militão (7/10): Reliable as always, Militão offered a sturdy presence in the heart of the defense. He dealt effectively with Sevilla's attacking threats, displaying his usual calm composure under pressure. Could have been slightly more proactive in winning aerial duels.
David Alaba (8/10): Another commanding display from Alaba. His passing was crisp and accurate, dictating the tempo of the game from the back. He also showcased his defensive prowess, making timely interceptions and crucial tackles. A standout performer.
Ferland Mendy (6.5/10): A decent performance, though not as impactful as Carvajal on the opposite side. Mendy offered solid defensive cover but lacked the attacking threat that has sometimes been seen from him.
Luka Modrić (8.5/10): The midfield maestro orchestrated the game with his usual elegance. Modrić’s passing range and vision were exceptional, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His influence on the game was undeniable. A masterclass performance.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (7.5/10): A powerful display in midfield. Tchouaméni provided crucial defensive cover, shielding the defense and winning back possession effectively. His physicality proved decisive in several key moments.
Federico Valverde (9/10): A Man of the Match contender. Valverde was a constant threat down the right, showcasing his energy and attacking flair. He scored a crucial goal and relentlessly pressed Sevilla's defense, creating havoc.
Vinícius Júnior (8/10): The Brazilian winger was a constant menace, causing problems for Sevilla's defense with his pace and dribbling ability. Though he didn't score, his contributions were vital in creating chances.
Karim Benzema (9/10): Scored a brace and orchestrated the attack with his usual intelligence and composure. His link-up play was exceptional, and his goals were crucial in sealing the victory.
Rodrygo (7/10): A lively performance from the Brazilian, offering pace and trickery. His movement was clever, and he made valuable contributions in the attacking third. His substitution was tactical, not performance-based.
Sevilla Player Grades (Brief Summary):
Sevilla's performance was inconsistent. While they showed moments of attacking brilliance, their defensive lapses cost them dearly. Key players lacked consistency throughout the game. A more detailed breakdown would require a separate analysis.
Overall:
Real Madrid demonstrated their attacking prowess, showcasing their ability to score goals from various sources. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern that Ancelotti will need to address. Sevilla’s attacking threat highlighted the need for continued defensive improvement. The win keeps Real Madrid in the title hunt, but consistent performances across the squad are necessary to maintain their momentum.