Sevilla 2-3 Real Madrid: Benzema seals comeback on night of controversy

If there was any doubt, it’s quelled now. Real Madrid did what Real Madrid do, and they came from two goals down at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to move 15 points clear at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona have two games in hand, against Cadiz and Rayo Vallecano, but even if they win them both they will be nine points behind with six games remaining.

To have any hope of the title they needed Madrid to lose, and they might have, had Eduardo Camavinga been sent off for a second yellow card before half-time, with Sevilla two goals up from an Ivan Rakitic free-kick and Erik Lamela slotting home.

The French midfielder lunged into a poor tackle and was pardoned by the referee and then given respite by coach Carlo Ancelotti, who hooked him at the break for Rodrygo.

The Brazilian played a big part in the comeback, which followed their Champions League recovery against Chelsea.

Rodrygo stroked home five minutes into the second half, with his compatriot Vinicius Junior later scoring, but having the goal ruled out for handball. It was a marginal call, given it struck the forward’s upper arm and shoulder, and Madrid complained bitterly.

No matter, Nacho soon struck in the 82nd minute and the comeback was complete when Karim Benzema, who missed a couple of chances uncharacteristically, smashed home in stoppage time.