Sevilla secure LaLiga safety despite narrow loss to Real Madrid

In excellent form and motivated unlike their opponents Sevilla began the stronger with Oso particularly troubling the Madrid backline.

The full backs next attempt required a superb stop from Thibaut Courtois but all the sides good efforts ended on 15 minutes when Kylian Mbappe controlled a cross into Vinicius Juniors path who finished perfectly past Odysseas Vlachodimos in the Sevilla goal.

Given Madrid had not lost in 25 La Liga matches where they scored first winning 23 of them it appeared a steep challenge for Sevilla thereafter as it seemed to lower their initial energy.

The visitors took more possession and watched Mbappes effort go just wide as they aimed to build on their advantage before half time.

The second period saw a more open contest and Sevilla pushed hard to draw level with Akor Adams unfortunate to have the ball removed before he could shoot from close by.

Their dedication enabled Madrid to break and Franco Mastantuono struck the post before Mbappe was ruled offside after advancing to score. Sevilla showed urgency in a pointless final 10 minutes as Isaac Romeros tame shot posed no issue for Courtois.

Although their three match winning sequence ended with this reverse Sevillas position was assured since 18th placed Girona face 17th placed Elche the following weekend.

Now competing only for honour the main discussion points in the capital will focus on Alvaro Arbeloas spell which is likely to finish at the end of the campaign.