MADRID: Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde struck late goals to secure a 3-1 win against struggling Sevilla and a six-point lead at the top of La Liga on Saturday.
Luka Modric put the champions ahead after five minutes, slotting a low Vinicius Jr cross into an empty net.
Real dominated allowed Sevilla back into the game in the 54th when Erik Lamela ghosted behind the defence to equalise.
However, Vinicius Jr shone again with a brilliant run into the middle before giving a short pass to Vazquez who scored from inside the box in the 79th.
Valverde wrapped up the win two minutes later with an unstoppable strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Missing striker Karim Benzema with muscle fatigue in his left leg, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti used Rodrygo up front and he connected well with Vinicius Jr and Valverde running the channels.
The electrifying Vinicius was once again hard to stop and masterminded most of Real’s chances.
His high pressure worked well as he stole the ball from Gonzalo Montiel on the left touchline and passed to Modric who was open at the far post and tapped the ball home.
Modric and Vinicius missed a sitter each before the break with Real in total control.
Lamela’s equaliser gave the home fans a scare but Vinicius and Valverde showed once again why they are two of the world’s most in-form players.
The Brazilian showed his extra gear in the build-up to the second goal scored by Vazquez, while Uruguayan Valverde scored for the third consecutive game with a long-distance strike that is becoming a trademark.Elsewhere, Real Valladolid earned a 1-0 win over high-flying Real Sociedad, ending the visitors’ run of eight straight victories.
The Basques had two goals disallowed and numerous chances to find an equaliser after Sergio Leon’s opener in the 16th minute.
Real Mallorca earned a surprise 2-1 win at Valencia, thanks to a late goal from Kang-in Lee, against his former side.
Rayo Vallecano thrashed Cadiz 5-1, with the visitors having both Iza Carcelen and Ruben Alcaraz sent off.
Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2022
