Real Madrid traveled to Sevilla FC on Sunday, October 4, 2009 looking to keep their perfect La Liga record in tact and keep pace with FC Barcelona. Here’s a full recap of the match along with video highlights.
Sevilla FC beats Real Madrid 2-1 – Video Highlights
Sevilla handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season in an epic battle at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Despite the defeat, the Madridistas can be proud of their performance having had several opportunities to score the equalizer.
Raul returned to the starting eleven after sitting out against Tenerife and Olympique and Mahamadou Diarra got the nod for the first time in ten months. But it was Sevilla who came knocking first. Former Madridista Negredo crossed the ball into the small box where Luis Fabiano was stopped short by Iker Casillas (min. 14). Marcelo responded with a long distance strike that nearly grazed Palop’s left post (min. 16). Real Madrid gained momentum and possession of the ball despite Sevilla’s midfield pressure. In an attempt to undo the logjam, Kaka found Raul with a deep ball and the captain turned it over to Marcelo on the left wing. The Brazilian had another attempt only for Palop to make the save (min. 17). Raul later assisted a wide-open Benzema, who didn’t get enough power behind his shot (min. 22).
Sevilla weren’t willing to see Real Madrid take total control and found an ally in the flanks of the Madridista defense. The first goal was a product of a change in ball direction by Renato. Perroti recovered the ball and slipped it to Fernando Navarro, who subsequently crossed into the box where Jesus Navas connected with his head (min. 33). Real Madrid found themselves down on the scoreboard for the first time this season and had no choice but to seek the equalizer. Casillas made several key saves in the latter stages of the first half and prevented Sevilla from extending the lead.
Casillas stepped up to the task again to open the second by snatching a ball out from under Perotti when the Sanchez Pizjuan had already started cheering for the second goal. The Whites quieted the crowd one minute later when Pepe headered home a free kick curled in by Guti (min. 48). The score gave momentum back to Real Madrid, who were finding it easier to penetrate the Sevilla midfield, but a defensive mistake eventually allowed the hosts to again take the lead. Navas scooped the ball over the back line and Renato connected (min. 65’). Madrid went on the offensive in search of another equalizer while Sevilla used counterattack measures to try to seal the victory.
Sevilla tried to slow the tempo, but Real Madrid continued to press forward. Higuain was successful in finding Raul, but the captain’s shot sailed wide (min. 76). Sergio Ramos nearly struck gold following another cross by Xabi Alonso, but Dragutinovic managed to deflect the shot (min. 80). The defender had the final opportunity of the match three minutes into added time only to see his shot fly over Palop’s goal. The Whites fell for the first time this season against one of the league’s main title contenders.
| Sevilla | |
|---|---|
| Palop | |
| Konko | |
| Dragutinovic | |
| Squillaci | |
 F. Navarro 24′ |
|
| Adriano |  |
| Renato | Goal 69′ |
| Zokora | |
| Jesús Navas | Goal 34′ |
| Luis Fabiano | |
| Perotti | |
| Capel 60′ |
|
| Negredo | |
| Kanouté 67′ |
|
| Real Madrid | |
|---|---|
| Casillas | |
| Sergio Ramos | |
| Pepe | Goal 51′ |
| Albiol | |
| Marcelo | |
| Xabi Alonso | |
| Kaká | |
| Diarra | |
| Van der Vaart 75′ |
|
| Guti H. | |
| Granero 83′ |
|
| Raúl | |
| Benzema | |
| Higuaín 55′ |
|
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Not surprised by the defeat, last week Real only managed to click in the last 20 minutes of the match.