Real Madrid – Sevilla: Madrilenians’ notes, Tchouaméni disappoints!

Real Madrid capped off the year with a commanding 4-2 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Madrilenians delivered an entertaining display, with Kylian Mbappé, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Díaz finding the back of the net. While the attacking prowess was on full display, not every performance shone brightly, as Aurélien Tchouaméni struggled in an unaccustomed defensive role. Let’s delve into the individual performances that shaped this memorable evening.

Thibaut Courtois had a relatively calm game, with Sevilla failing to mount significant attacking threats. Despite the few moments of action, Courtois was alert and effective, managing his defense well and making key saves when needed. Although Isaac’s goal slipped past him, the Belgian’s composure kept Madrid in control.

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👏 ¡Pasillo del @SevillaFC a los campeones del mundo! #WorldCham9ions | #RealMadridSevillaFC

Eduardo Camavinga showcased his adaptability once again, stepping into the left-back role with confidence. His defensive solidity was matched by his forward surges, creating space and opportunities. However, his positioning during Isaac’s goal raised questions, slightly overshadowing his otherwise impressive performance.

Aurélien Tchouaméni had a night to forget. Tasked with a center-back role, he appeared out of his depth, with his hesitant decision-making and positional errors culminating in Sevilla’s opening goal. The experiment of deploying him in defense clearly backfired, exposing a vulnerability in Madrid’s tactical setup.

Antonio Rüdiger was another defender who struggled to find his rhythm. While his physical presence was evident, miscommunication with Tchouaméni led to several defensive lapses. Though his effort was undeniable, Rüdiger’s inconsistency on the night added pressure on Courtois and the rest of the backline.

Lucas Vázquez, wearing the captain’s armband, turned in a spirited performance. His energy on the right flank was instrumental, both in defense and attack. An exquisite assist for Rodrygo’s goal highlighted his contribution, as his link-up play with Mbappé caused constant problems for Sevilla.

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👉 2️⃣1️⃣ 👈 #RealMadridSevillaFC | #LaLigaHighlights

Fede Valverde was undoubtedly one of the standout performers. The Uruguayan dominated the midfield with his relentless running, sharp passing, and a stunning goal that left the crowd in awe. His ability to dictate the tempo and make decisive contributions at both ends of the pitch underlined why he is a cornerstone of Madrid’s squad.

Dani Ceballos played a quieter yet effective role in midfield, complementing Valverde and Bellingham. His intelligent positioning and precise passing ensured Madrid maintained control, seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack. While his work often went unnoticed, it was vital to Madrid’s overall dominance.

Jude Bellingham continued to impress, showing his versatility and flair. Always available to receive the ball, he orchestrated Madrid’s transitions with ease, threading passes through Sevilla’s defense. His forward runs created multiple chances, and though he didn’t score, his influence on the game was undeniable.

Brahim Díaz had a mixed outing. His creativity and dribbling unsettled Sevilla’s backline, and he played a crucial role in setting up Rodrygo’s goal. However, he occasionally lacked precision in the final third. A sublime assist from Mbappé, though, gave Díaz his well-deserved goal in the second half, rounding off a decent performance.

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🫡 ¿@RodrygoGoes? ¡Presente! #RealMadridSevillaFC

Rodrygo Goes was a menace on the left flank, dazzling with his pace and skill. His assist for Mbappé’s opener was exquisite, and his own goal was a testament to his growing confidence. Rodrygo’s consistent contributions are becoming increasingly vital to Madrid’s attacking arsenal.

Kylian Mbappé’s return from injury was marked with brilliance. He wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a stunning opener and later assisting Brahim Díaz with a perfectly weighted pass. Though he missed a few chances to double his tally, Mbappé’s dynamism and threat were evident throughout the match.

This win not only highlighted Real Madrid’s attacking depth but also exposed areas requiring tactical refinement, particularly in defense. As the year ends, Carlo Ancelotti will be pleased with the team’s overall performance but aware of the adjustments needed to sustain success in the coming year.