Real Madrid caress the league title after Sánchez Pizjuán win
There can be no question at this stage over the destiny of the LaLiga title as just six match days remain and Real Madrid remain relentless. Last night in Seville, Ancelotti’s side played like champions-elect coming from behind to beat Sevilla FC 2-3 with a stunning second half display, where even a hotly disputed disallowed goal (I was not convinced that Vinicius handled the ball before shooting) failed to hold the Madrid juggernaut back. The game was loaded with plenty of controversy with both sides having grounds to question some of the officiating. In the end, after a lethargic first half, Real Madrid reacted and turned the game around one could sense from the reaction at the final whistle, that the players sensed they had edged that little bit closer to the title.
Match official decisions...
I’m left with little choice but to dedicate a few lines about referee Cuadra Fernandez and his partner in the VAR booth, Iglesias Villanueva. The first error in my opinion was a very visible handball by Diego Carlos n the first half, and according to the latest round of regulations, an unquestionable penalty. Then the match official, for reasons best known to himself forgave a second yellow card for Eduardo Camavinga as the French player hauled Martial back. After the interval, there was the issue of the disallowed Vinicius goal, for an alleged handball, a decision that warranted a check on the pitch-side monitor and subsequently disallowed post review. There was also the energetic protest by Óliver who claimed he was fouled by Carvajal in the build-up to Madrid’s second but this was more out of a sense of frustration one feels.
Never say die
The below par refereeing, managed to detract from what really was a vibrant match in which Sevilla did their best in the first half and took the lead with two goals, both with the collaboration of Militao. The Andalusian side the took a step back and this was to be their undoing. Ancelotti brought on Rodrygo, who looked good recently against Chelsea in the Champions League and this attacking trio of Benzema, the Brazilian and Vinicius offered a new dimension to the visitors in attack. Real Madrid never throw in the towel and their desire to battle and fight despite the adverse scoreline is truly admirable and instrumental in their current points cushion in LaLiga.