Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla: Three Reasons why Real Madrid won | LaLiga 2018-19
Real Madrid won their first league match at home in 2019, brushing past a competent, if somewhat lacking, Sevilla. After winning only two games since the year turned, the rumor mill has been churning non-stop, creating speculation around the coach and several players' position at the club. A win tonight was crucial, as not getting all the points would mean absolutely surrendering in the league chase at the halfway point of the season.
Madrid dominated the entirety of the game, a rarity since Zidane left, especially against an outfit that beat them 3-0 at the start of the season. The Andalusian outfit held out for quite a while at the Bernebau against a determined Madrid side. They were aided by superb defending from Simon Kjaer in particular, and a moment of fortune as Dani Ceballos' wonder strike bounced off the crossbar.
They couldn't hold out forever, conceding the opener at the 78th minute as Casemiro blasted in a sumptuous strike at Vaclik's goal from audacious range, and the goalkeeper's attempts were in vain, as the shot had too much on it for the Czech keeper to stop. Sevilla looked absolutely toothless after conceding, offering no threat with Munir alone up top, having replaced Andre Silva at the 75th-minute mark.
Modric, who looked much like the Modric we know that the one we've seen post his taxing WC Campaign, added the icing on the cake, as he stole the ball off of Carrico and shot past a helpless Vaclick to seal the victory for the home side. The win gives Madrid momentum going into their cup tie against Girona next Friday, after which they travel to the RCDE Stadium to face Espanyol. Here are three tidbits about the game.
#1 Sergio Regulion has had a good game as the left-back
Sergio Regulion was started over Marcelo in the left-back berth again, with the Brazilian dropped outright by Solari, who didn't want to risk anything defensively against a reborn Jesus Navas. The youngster who was promoted by former coach Julen Lopetegui from the Castilla, and dubbed the perfect heir to Marcelo's left-back birth, has started to stake his claim for it much sooner than anticipated.
The Spaniard put in a superb performance on both ends, setting up three chances while proving to be a constant outlet down the left-hand side. His defensive work is what truly impressed me, as he recovered the ball five times for his team, made a successful tackle, and never shrugged his defensive duties, not getting caught out as lethally as Marcelo has done a few times this season. His performances, especially the defensive side, are putting a valid doubt in the mind of Solari and some fans, who wonder whether Regulion should be handed more of the reigns as the season progresses.