90min

Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Goalkeeping Howler Hands Los Blancos Vital Win

By Max Cooper

Vinicius Junior forced the own goal from the goalkeeper
Vinicius Junior forced the own goal from the goalkeeper / Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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Real Madrid got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday afternoon, easing the pressure on Merengues coach Zinedine Zidane.

The two teams could not be separated during a cagey first half, but los Blancos finally managed to break the deadlock on 56 minutes with a huge slice of fortune.

Ferland Mendy's whipped cross from the left flank took the faintest of touches off Vinicius Junior's outstretched boot, but it proved enough to deceive goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who somehow allowed the ball to slip through his hands and trickle over the line.

Sevilla pushed to drag themselves level, but Madrid stood firm to claim a valuable three points in the title race, and reduce the pressure mounting on coach Zidane.

Let's take a look at Madrid's player ratings from Saturday afternoon.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Not a bad defender, actually
Not a bad defender, actually / Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 7/10 - Wasn't called into any drastic action due to his rearguard's solid display, but dealt with any tasks commandingly.

Lucas Vazquez (RB) - 8/10 - Not a natural defender, but credit to him, he looked the part on Saturday. Never shied away from his duties, and stemmed a constant flow from that flank.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 8/10 - Led the backline with confidence after the midweek horror show against Shakhtar Donetsk. Headed away a barrage of crosses, and defended with authority. Just what the doctor ordered.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) - 8/10 - Can't believe Nacho is still a Madrid defender. Proved his worth this time round though, acting as a capable partner for Varane.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 8/10 - Got the assist for the goal with a dangerous cross into that dreaded corridor of uncertainty. Defended well after a few poor displays in recent weeks.

2. Midfielders

Casemiro, the brick wall in midfield
Casemiro, the brick wall in midfield / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Luka Modric (CM) - 7/10 - Looked to keep the game moving and tried to control the midfield battle on a tough afternoon in Seville. A quality player.

Casemiro (CM) - 8/10 - Without doubt, the most important player in this midfield. Looked to nullify Sevilla when they broke forward, and pulled off countless interceptions and blocks when the moment arrived. A top destroyer.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 7/10 - Got booked midway through the first half and had to walk a tightrope from then on. Luckily, he was immaculate in possession and in the tackle. Not quite able to influence games as much, but still important.

3. Forwards

The goalscorer (kind of)
The goalscorer (kind of) / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Rodrygo (RW) - 6/10 - Full of tricks and loved taking on his marker at every given opportunity. Less involved as play flowed down the other flank, and was the first substituted for los Blancos.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 7/10 - Super pre-assist to free Mendy down the left-hand side with his back to play. That's the kind of irreplaceable class he offers to Madrid.

Vinicius Junior (LW) - 7/10 - Broke the deadlock with a brave snaking boot to tap home a teasing cross from the left. Made the difference.

4. Substitutes

Marco Asensio (RW) - 6/10