Stunned before El Clasico

Real Madrid suffered a huge setback ahead of the first El Clasico by suffering a 3-2 defeat against Sevilla. This defeat was surprising considering that Madrid took the lead early in the match through Sergio Ramos. This goal would have propelled the team to a strong position, but it turned out in the opposite direction after Sevilla came back with vengeance.

The home team appeared unstoppable and were leading 3-1 with 15 minutes left in the game. This was after goals from the likes of Llorente and Banega. Their defeat increases pressure from manager Rafa Benitez, who admitted that Madrid collapsed after seeing Sevilla equalise through Immobile.

Madrid are up against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. This defeat makes the situation extremely was considering that the Catalans can afford to come with just a draw in mind. They have opened a three-point advantage to take advantage of Madrid’s slip. After having failed to win the league title in the last few seasons, success in the domestic competition will be the main priority for Benitez. However, he has split opinions since becoming the replacement for Carlo Ancelotti. Madrid have certainly become more solid at the back but they have also been lethargic in attack. Cristiano Ronaldo once again failed to sparkle amidst rumours of unhappiness.

“We played 30 very good minutes, lots of control, in all levels. Then we let them score at a set-piece. That changed the game. From the second goal we started to make mistakes, they took advantage and scored a third. We came back and scored late, but it wasn’t enough. That was the lesson from the game, in the first half a good Real Madrid for a long time, in the second half we were not able to manage the situation. We should have killed the game in the first half, and we didn’t,” said Benitez.