Sevilla secure LaLiga safety despite narrow loss to Real Madrid

Playing with red-hot form and still having something to fight for, unlike their opponents, Sevilla began the stronger side, with Oso in particular causing trouble for the Madrid backline.

The full back's second attempt forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine stop, but all of the home side's good work was undone on 15 minutes when Kylian Mbappé chested down a cross into the path of Vinícius Júnior, who swept a perfect finish past Odysseas Vlachodimos in the Sevilla goal.

Given that Madrid had yet to lose this season in 25 La Liga matches where they scored first, winning 23 of those, it looked like an uphill battle for Sevilla from that point, especially as it seemed to dampen their early momentum.

The visitors started to keep possession more, and saw Mbappé's curler fly just beyond the far post as they aimed to strengthen their lead before half time.

The second half brought a much more open contest, and Sevilla increased their efforts to equalise, with Akor Adams unlucky to have the ball taken off his foot before shooting from close range.

Their dedication to the cause allowed Madrid to counter attack, and Franco Mastantuono curled against the post, before Mbappé was flagged offside when breaking through and finding the net. There was a sense of desperation in Sevilla's play during a fruitless final 10 minutes, with Isaac Romero's weak effort never likely to trouble Courtois.

Despite their three match winning run ending with this defeat, Sevilla's safety was still guaranteed because 18th placed Girona face 17th placed Elche next weekend.

Now playing only for pride, the major talking points in the capital will centre on Álvaro Arbeloa's tenure, which looks likely to end at the conclusion of the season.