Was Real Madrid's Win Over Sevilla Truly Controversial?
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Key Takeaways
Madrid, Dec 21 (NationPress) Real Madrid has edged within a point of FC Barcelona at the summit of La Liga following a controversial 2-0 victory over Sevilla at home on Saturday.
A first-half strike by Jude Bellingham and a late penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe secured the win for Real Madrid, despite a performance that left fans feeling frustrated at times, as Sevilla squandered multiple chances, according to reports from Xinhua.
Initially, Real Madrid was fortunate when Sevilla's Isaac Romero missed a clear opportunity to score, prompting the home crowd's vocal discontent.
The visitors attempted four shots on goal during the first half but failed to capitalize, while Bellingham netted the opener in the 38th minute.
The second half was marred by controversy when Rodrygo avoided what seemed to be a second yellow card for stepping on Marcao's heel, shortly before Marcao was sent off for a second yellow after fouling Bellingham.
Sevilla's agitation grew when Rodrygo was fouled by Juanlu, leading to Mbappe's successful penalty conversion in the 86th minute, marking his 59th goal of the year for Real Madrid.
In other matches, Guillermo Almada's first game as Oviedo's third coach ended in a fourth consecutive goalless draw against Celta Vigo at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium.
Osasuna distanced itself from the relegation zone with a convincing 3-0 win against Alaves, featuring a stunning volley from Ante Budimir in the 72nd minute, followed by a penalty and a stoppage-time goal from Raul Garcia.
A late penalty from Adrian de la Fuente salvaged a point for bottom-placed Levante against Real Sociedad, who had initially taken the lead with a goal from Take Kubo during first-half injury time.
Real Sociedad also announced Pellegrino Matarazzo as their new permanent coach until June 2027 shortly after the match concluded.
On Friday night, Valencia and Mallorca played to a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams struggling to escape the relegation zone, as Samu Costa scored for Mallorca and Hugo Duro equalized for Valencia in the second half.
League leaders FC Barcelona are set to face third-placed Villarreal in Sunday’s key matchup, while Atletico Madrid will take on a struggling Girona.