Real Madrid put four goals past Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu last night in what was their best showing of the season so far.
Jose Mourinho made multiple personnel and tactical changes to the lineup and the formation on the night, all of which worked brilliantly to ensure Real Madrid played on a superior level.
At no point in the game did the club look to be in trouble, as they took a 2-0 lead before half-time and made it 3-0 through a penalty after the restart.
Sevilla pulled one back in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late for Los Che as Real Madrid buried another through Yan Diomande to seal the result.
Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 Sevilla.
A fluid attack
With Vinicius Jr. out through suspension, Jose Mourinho had the chance to experiment with the forward lineup without any pressure of fitting the Brazilian star in last night. That worked out wonderfully for the team.
Mbappe and Diomande both scored against Sevilla. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The manager opted to start Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe and Kendrick in attack with Jude Bellingham in the attacking midfield role, and all four players gelled well together.
After a long period, Real Madrid’s attack finally appeared fluid, with good combination play, a lethal transition setup, and solid chance creation.
Taking Vinicius’ place, Diomande was vital for Real Madrid down the left flank as he was involved in the buildup to almost every Real Madrid goal. His decision-making, distribution and dribbling were all commendable, bringing life to the win.
Endrick, on the other flank, was not at his best but worked well in tandem with Valverde and Mbappe to keep possession and contribute to the buildup.
For the first time in ages, Los Blancos seemed comfortable in progressing the ball and combining in the final third while also standing out defensively, and the result speaks for itself.
Mbappe got his two goals while Diomande was also rewarded for his great performance with one to his name. Arda Guler, the other standout, completed the names on the scoreboard.
The midfield experiment pays off
After the horror show against Roma, it became clear that Real Madrid could no longer continue with the midfield of Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, and that an urgent workaround was required.
Endrick started his first game under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho’s team selection last night ensured all the lacunae were filled, and stands as a testament to the manager’s understanding of the game and its dynamics.
For starters, he moved Valverde to right-back, ensuring he kept the captain’s intensity on the field while also opening up a second place in midfield.
He then paired Arda Guler with Tchouameni, making the youngster play in a deeper playmaking role, which he has not done much in his time at the club so far.
The result was fantastic. Guler playing in the deep midfield was a game changer in terms of improving Real Madrid’s creative output. Tchouameni, playing alongside him, provided the necessary defensive cover and did the dirty work.
With all three starting, Real Madrid had much more control of the game, an improved creative output, and also stood out with their defensive stability, and it is clear that the experiment last night paid off great dividends.
Momentum at the right time
So far this season, Real Madrid have struggled for any kind of momentum as they have looked off color and far from dominant in all their games this season.
Real Madrid now have a strong momentum. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Last night’s win over Sevilla, in that sense, comes as a much-needed confidence booster for them, as they not only won convincingly but also did so with dominance.
Vinicius Jr.’s suspension may well have been the blessing in disguise that Real Madrid desperately needed, but the team looked fluid and dynamic last night, and Mourinho will have another chance to test his setup midweek.
Next weekend, Real Madrid face a red-hot Barcelona and will have to be at their very best, and every bit of momentum they can collect ahead of that will be crucial.
The win over Sevilla, in that sense, could not have come at a better time for Real Madrid, who will now be far more confident in their chances in El Clasico.
Football is a game where momentum and the dressing room’s mentality both play a massive role. With a comeback win midweek and a dominant show at the weekend, Real Madrid have taken two massive steps in improving both aspects.
All eyes, needless to say, will be on the game against RB Leipzig to see if they can keep the steam going.