If football is a mood, as Valdano suggested, then Madrid embodies enthusiasm turned into a team. Everything seems to come to the club, from players shaped by coach Carlo Ancelotti to relentless performers like Valverde who push their limits, to others who arrive from the bench to turn battles around, such as Asensio. In a tense match against Sevilla, Madrid initially looked overwhelmed, but strategic changes reinvigorated the team and restored their characteristic brisk tempo to secure the win.
The concern rose when Karim Benzema sustained an injury for a few days, but his absence did not derail the team. Instead of relying on a single goal machine, Ancelotti and Sampaoli fielded two flexible forwards in Rodrygo and Isco, giving the attack a different dynamic. The contest promised to be a study in contrasts, with more appetite for tactical nuance than a straightforward duel of blades against forks and knives.
From the hands of Luka and Zizou.
Benzema hoisted the Ballon d’Or in the skies over the Santiago Bernabéu, an image widely shared on social media as Madrid pressed forward in the league. This moment symbolized a pivotal era for the club and its supporters.
Moments later, uncertainty hinged on a key moment when Vinicius Jr. entered the fray and seemed to tilt the balance. Luka Modric directed his gaze toward the far post, as if urging the Croat to act. The home crowd roared with Sevilla’s supporters reproaching their own side. Sevilla appeared to have lost the fierce identity that once allowed them to strangle opponents and strike with sharpness. The visitors adopted a more cautious approach, retreating behind the ball to minimize risks while inviting Madrid to try to break them down.
Isco’s role became a telling indicator of Sevilla’s struggles. The gifted playmaker, who operates between lines and often works as a false nine, found himself isolated with back to goal, running miles without meaningful involvement. The allegorical feeling was that he might as well have worn a blindfold. As the half wore on, Madrid wondered if goals would come in bursts, while Courtois’ form stood out as the goalkeeper soaked up pressure and kept the scoreline in reach. Modric and Vinicius acknowledged the challenge and worked to restore Madrid’s rhythm, even as Sevilla found breath before halftime.
Minutes ticked by and Madrid, after a spell of stagnation, sought fresh impetus. Lamela looked poised to equalize with a moment of class, only for Montiel to win back possession and launch a counter behind Madrid’s exposed defense. Ancelotti’s side stood firm as they executed a more deliberate plan, waiting for the right moment to strike. Seville’s attempt to seize control was answered by a renewed Madrid focus, and the stadium reflected the tense mood as shots from Isco and Lamela punctuated the first half, with the audience sensing a turning point was near. The home team entered the break with the sense that they could pivot toward a more dynamic second period.
The second half began with a lineup evolution. Asensio, Lucas Vázquez, and Rudiger joined the fray, bringing fresh legs and a different balance to the attack. Madrid moved with purpose, crafting a counterattack that linked seamlessly from the Balearic Islands to Vinicius, who faced Bono and created a finishing chance. Lucas Vázquez converted a well-timed setup to put Madrid ahead, followed by another quick surge that shifted momentum decisively. Valverde then appeared with a decisive contribution, sealing the decisive third goal and confirming Madrid’s resilience in the match.
Real Madrid laid out a performance ledger that reflected a strong collective effort. Courtois started as the last line of defense, with Carvajal and Militao reinforcing the backline, while Alaba and Mendy provided varied support in the second half. In midfield, Tchouaméni and Camavinga represented the fresh energy, with Modric orchestrating play and Kroos maintaining the rhythm. Valverde and Vinicius Jr. created high-impact offensive pressure, and Rodrygo completed the attacking trio that finished Sevilla’s resistance with a third goal from a well-timed sequence.
The match finished with a clear result: Madrid had shown adaptability when challenged, executed a strategic reshaping of the midfield and attack, and delivered decisive moments when it mattered. The Santiago Bernabéu hosted a performance that reflected the team’s ability to adapt to opposition styles and leverage individual brilliance for collective success. The official lineup included Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Modric, Kroos; Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo. Sevilla fielded a different configuration with arrangements that emphasized their defensive shape and mid-range pressing before Madrid’s late surge. The scoring sequence featured Modric’s early opener, a reply from Lamela, and late goals from Lucas Vázquez and Valverde, with the match refereeing noting strategic cautions to players on both sides. The setting remained the Santiago Bernabéu, witness to a Madrid victory built on tempo, tempo, and timely substitutions that altered the game’s trajectory.