Sevilla 3-2 Real Madrid: Five talking points

Real Madrid were condemned to their first defeat of the season as they were beaten 3-2 by a resilient Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, to cede top spot to arch-rivals Barcelona heading into the Clasico post the international break.A spectacular overhead kick by Sergio Ramos put the visitors ahead inside the first quarter of the game, but on-loan Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile made sure the hosts go into the break level on terms with a sizzling effort from a tight angle.Ever Banega then put the reigning Europa League champions ahead around the hour mark after some shambolic defending from the visitors, before Fernando Llorente struck their third to put the game firmly in their control.With all three points at stake and El Clasico looming right in the subsequent fixture, Los Blancos pulled one back through a returning James Rodriguez, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as Real Madrid saw their undefeated record come to an end.Here are the five talking points from the five-goal thriller in Seville.

#1 Out-of-sorts Real Madrid

Real Madrid have by far, been the best defensive team in Europe this season. Having conceded a measly three in the opening 10 games, the capital club appeared defensively resolute and much of their success this term was largely down to their stout rump.

However, none of that was on show against Sevilla. After staving off the hosts in the opening exchanges, Real Madrid had their defence in no man’s land for large spells of the game. The opening goal was a result of some poor man-marking by the visitors, as was the case with the second.

Sevilla took time to find their footing in the game, but once they did, there was no stopping them. Los Nervionenses had Los Blancos by their throat, and restricted them to only long distance passes and shots. Ronaldo was effectively boxed up, whereas Bale’s heroics proved short.

It started well for the Madrid outfit, but it all began going downhill arguably after the half hour mark. With Barcelona now leading them by three points at the top, Real Madrid have to go back to the drawing board before they come out fit and firing again for the El Clasico.