Real Madrid welcomed top-four hopefuls Sevilla to the Bernabeu on Sunday night knowing that a win would see them move just one point behind second-place Atletico Madrid.
Both teams missed from the penalty spot in the capital, in addition to having two goals wrongly disallowed for offside.
It was the home team that collected all the points, however, as goals from Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Jese Rodriguez secured another win for Zinedine Zidane's outfit.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.31pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Sevilla. Los Blancos must keep winning as they chase down the top two Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in Spain's top flight, but Sevilla have their eyes on fourth position, which they will hope to snatch from Villarreal in the final months. It has all the makings of an entertaining game from the capital!
6.34pmSevilla have not won at the Bernabeu in the league since December 2008, but they recorded a 3-2 victory when the pair met at the Estadio Ramon earlier this season. Unai Emery's side were also only beaten 2-1 in this stadium last term and have two wins from their last five league matches with the capital giants. The visitors will provide a very stern test for Los Blancos tonight, that is for sure.
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6.37pmRight, before we go any further, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Madrid. Real Madrid have had a free week to prepare for this match, but Sevilla were in Europa League action on Thursday night. Let's take a look at the two lineups for tonight's clash...
6.40pmTEAMS:
REAL: Navas; Danilo, Nacho, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
SEVILLA: Rico; Coke, Rami, Kolo, Tremoulinas; Escudero, Cristoforo, Krychowiak, Diogo; Iborra; Gameiro
6.43pmSergio Ramos and Pepe both miss out for Real Madrid through suspension, which has opened up spots at centre-back for Nacho and Raphael Varane. Karim Benzema, meanwhile, has returned from a hamstring problem at centre-forward. Out-of-favour pair Isco and James Rodriguez, however, remain on the bench, with Zinedine Zidane favouring Casemiro alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
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6.46pmAs for Sevilla, Ever Banega misses out through suspension, while Yevhen Konoplyanka and Steven N'Zonzi are both unavailable through injury. Diogo Figueiras and Sergio Escudero have into the wide positions, while it is Kevin Gameiro ahead of Fernando Llorente in the final third. Mariano, Michael Krohn-Dehli and Jose Antonio Reyes all drop to the bench for the visitors tonight.
6.49pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just over 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in the Spanish capital. I shall talk about Sevilla a little bit later, but let's start with Real Madrid, who have won their last four games in all competitions, but are still under pressure. Indeed, they will enter this match 13 points off league leaders Barcelona, who drew 2-2 at Villarreal this afternoon, but just four points behind second-place Atletico Madrid, who lost 2-1 at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.
6.52pmIt appeared that Real Madrid would drop two more points away to Las Palmas last weekend, but a Casemiro header in the 89th minute ensured that Los Blancos would record a vital win. Again, it was far from convincing, but since losing 1-0 at home to Atletico on February 27, Real Madrid have beaten Levante, Celta Vigo and Las Palmas to ease the pressure and keep pace with Atletico.
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6.55pmReal Madrid also secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League earlier this month with a 2-0 victory over Roma at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos have dropped points in seven of their 14 away league games this season, but have won 12 of their 15 league fixtures at the Bernabeu and scored a whopping 56 times in the process. At home, they are very difficult to beat.
6.58pmCristiano Ronaldo was criticised for his performance against Las Palmas last weekend, but the Portugal captain has scored 40 times in 37 appearances this season and the 31-year-old just loves playing against Sevilla – hitting 19 against the Andalusian side during his time in Spain.
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7.02pmIt seems very unlikely, or pretty much impossible, for Real Madrid to win the league this season, but they will want to finish above Atletico and their next two fixtures will be key. Tonight is a real test for Zidane's side and they then have the small matter of Barcelona at Camp Nou in their first match after the international break. There is no room for error in that game and the Los Blancos supporters will want some revenge following their 4-0 Clasico defeat in this stadium earlier this season.
7.05pmAs for Sevilla, as mentioned, Emery's side were in Europa League action on Thursday night and booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the competition with a 3-0 victory at home to FC Basel. Their reward for overcoming the Swiss club was a two-legged affair against Athletic Bilbao.
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7.08pmAs for their league form, the Andalusian team will enter this match off the back of an impressive 4-2 win over top-four rivals Villarreal last weekend. They remain fifth in the La Liga table and are now six points off the Yellow Submarine with a game in hand. Since losing 2-1 at Barcelona on February 28, Sevilla have beaten Eibar, drawn at capital side Getafe and overcome Villarreal last time out.
7.12pmSevilla's position in the table is even more incredible when considering that they have still not won on the road this season. They have drawn nine and lost five of their 14 La Liga away games this term and are one of only two teams – the other being Hellas Verona – in the top five European leagues not to have recorded a single league victory on the road this season. Just staggering!
7.15pmAt the Estadio Ramon, Sevilla have won 13 of their 15 league matches and only lost twice, which begs the question – where would they be if they could get things together on the road? The answer is – a lot closer to the top three, but they are just not the same team on their travels. Tonight is the perfect chance to end that disappointing away record and firmly put the pressure on Villarreal.
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7.18pm
¡Ya estamos calentando! ⚽🔥#RMLiga #HalaMadrid https://t.co/wKw2kkuWSw
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) March 20, 2016
7.22pmPREDICTION! I fancy Real Madrid tonight. The home side have had a full week to prepare for this match and the return of Benzema is a big boost in the final third. Sevilla are set-up to contain Los Blancos here, but I think that Real Madrid will run out 3-1 winners in the Spanish capital.
7.25pmA reminder of the two teams for tonight's match...
REAL: Navas; Danilo, Nacho, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
SEVILLA: Rico; Coke, Rami, Kolo, Tremoulinas; Escudero, Cristoforo, Krychowiak, Diogo; Iborra; Gameiro
0 minKICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is the home side that get the first 45 minutes underway in the capital...
2 min... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Sevilla make good in-roads in the early moments as Diogo drives into the Real Madrid box, but the Portuguese is just crowded out at the vital moment and Real Madrid can launch an attack of their own here.
3 minBale finds all sorts of space inside the Sevilla box, but instead of shooting, the attacker looks for Ronaldo and the cross is behind the Portuguese. Very open start to this clash in the capital.
3 minCROSSBAR! A cross from Tremoulinas dips at the final moment and hits the top of the Real Madrid crossbar. Navas is very fortunate there - he did not seem concerned at all!
5 minIt has been a very positive start from Sevilla, who continue to find space down each side. Real Madrid will of course be a threat going forward tonight, but I am worried about their defence.
6 minGOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (Benzema)
7 minThat is some strike from Benzema! Real Madrid take the lead in the sixth minute as Bale delivers a super cross into the Frenchman, who half-volleys the ball past Rico. It is a sensational effort!
8 minCHANCE! Super chance for Gameiro this time as Diogo sets up the Frenchman inside the Real Madrid box, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Might have done better!
11 minPlenty happening all over the park at the moment as both teams continue to enjoy spells of possession. Bale attempts to drive away from Escudero and gets the better of the full-back, but the Welshman is fouled. Kroos delivers the resulting set piece, but Rami is on hand to clear the box.
13 minSmart goalkeeping from Rico as the Sevilla stopper punches a Marcelo cross out of the penalty box under pressure from Ronaldo. The visitors cannot seem to keep the ball at the moment here and they are helped by the linesman's offside flag when Ronaldo is found inside the box by Marcelo.
14 min
20 - Karim Benzema has scored more goals than any other French player in Europe's top five leagues this season. Touché.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 20, 2016
16 minIt must be said that the pitch at the Bernabeu is absolutely sensational. I have not seen a better surface this season - it is like a new carpet. Real Madrid are enjoying themselves on the field as they continue to find space in the final third, but Gameiro is full of running down the other end.
16 minPOST! Super save from Rico as the Sevilla stopper pushes a Bale strike onto the post. The Welshman looked certain to find the bottom corner, but it was fine goalkeeping there!
17 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Bale pokes the ball home from close range, but the flag is raised. Replays have shown that the Welshman was onside though and that is a big call!
19 minSAVE! Ronaldo strikes towards the bottom corner, but Rico is across to make another smart stop. Sevilla need to find a way of stemming the flow of pressure in this match.
22 minAnother half-chance for Real Madrid as Benzema meets a Kroos corner, but his header is straight into the arms of Rico, who has been very, very busy at the Bernabeu tonight. You sense that there is something in this game for Sevilla, but Gameiro has been very isolated in the final third so far.
23 minSAVE! Rico again as the Sevilla stopper gets a strong hand to a Ronaldo effort. It is easy to see why Rico is expected to travel to Euro 2016 with Spain. He's a fine young goalkeeper!
24 minRico is at full stretch once again to keep out a Bale effort, which might have fallen for Benzema at the far post. It was a clever over-head kick, which could have been a shot or a cross!
25 minJust enough pressure from Kolo at the far post as Bale heads over the Sevilla crossbar. Benzema is already on the scoresheet and Bale and Ronaldo look keen on joining him tonight. Gameiro continues to run the channels for Sevilla, but he needs so much more from those behind him.
26 minPENALTY SEVILLA!
26 minBOOKING! Varane (Real Madrid). The referee points to the spot and books Varane for holding Rami inside the Real Madrid box. Good spot from the referee - what a chance for Sevilla!
27 minSAVE! Navas gets down to keep out Gameiro's spot kick! Wow!
29 minIt was a really smart save from Navas, who guessed right and prevented Gameiro from levelling the scores at the Bernabeu. That is a warning to Real Madrid, who have been in full control tonight.
31 minYou do get the feeling that there is something in this game for Sevilla, but they have to show more quality in the final third. Tremoulinas finds space down the left for the visitors, but his low cross is into the side netting and Real Madrid resume with a goal kick. Still 1-0 to the home side in Madrid.
33 minNot an awful lot to report in terms of chances since that penalty save, but it does appear to have had an effect on Real Madrid, who look nervous every time Sevilla break forward with pace.
35 minSAVE! Another smart save from Rico as the Sevilla stopper gets down to keep out an effort from Benzema, who comes alive every single time the ball is inside the away side's box.
37 minModric delivers a fine pass into Ronaldo, who breaks through on goal, but the offside flag had been raised. Very, very tight call and the Portuguese might well have been just onside. It must be said that the opening 37 minutes of this contest have just flown past. Still just the one goal in Madrid.
40 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following some late challenges. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial. Sevilla just cannot afford to fall two goals behind in the capital.
42 minSAVE! Again it is Rico that shows excellent ability between the sticks as he comes out to clear at the feet of Bale. He took a whack and it was very brave goalkeeping there!
44 minReal Madrid continue to threaten as Bale delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Ronaldo cannot fashion a clear attempt under pressure from Coke. Not long until the break here.
45 minComfortable for Rico this time as he stoops to keep out a curling Marcelo strike.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla
8.16pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a wonderful Benzema volley in the sixth minute. Sevilla had the chance to level from the penalty spot in the 27th minute, but Gameiro could not beat Navas between the sticks.
8.21pmSTATS! Real Madrid have shaded the possession with 64%, while they have had 14 attempts - nine of which were on target. Sevilla, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their four attempts in the first period. Just the one yellow - Varane for tugging Rami's shirt inside the Real Madrid box.
8.26pmBENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Isco, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vasquez and Jese Rodriguez all in reserve. Sevilla boss Emery, meanwhile, has options in the shape of Llorente and Jose Antonio Reyes.
8.30pmMATCH PIC!
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46 minRESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Sevilla find a route back into the match? Let's find out. The visitors resume the action in Madrid...
47 min... SEVILLA SUB! Reyes has replaced Diogo for the away team here.
48 minIt has been a bright start to the second period from Sevilla, with Coke already delivering a couple of super balls into the Real Madrid box. You sense that there is something in this game for the visitors, but they must keep it tight down the other end, where Real Madrid are so dangerous.
50 minCHANCE! Bale sets up Benzema following excellent work from Danilo, but the French striker can only curl his effort over the crossbar. Bale is always looking for Benzema in the box!
52 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to level as Reyes feeds a low cross into Iborra, but the Spaniard just cannot make a telling touch under pressure. Should be 1-1 here!
54 minI fancy Real Madrid to score again tonight, but I am just not sure about them down the other end. They are missing Ramos and Pepe, with Nacho and Varane both struggling to contain Gameiro at the moment. I suspect that we could see Fernando Llorente at some point in the near future!
55 minBenzema sets Danilo away with a fine pass, but the right-back cannot pick out Ronaldo inside the box and Sevilla regain control of the ball. End-to-end football at the Bernabeu with 55 played.
55 minBOOKING! Casemiro (Real Madrid) is booked for kicking out at Reyes.
57 minReal Madrid have kept just two clean sheets in their last 16 matches and Sevilla have the tools to cause them problems as play develops in the capital. Marcelo drives forward for the home side before picking out Ronaldo, but the attacker's cross is headed clear by the rising Rami once again.
57 minPENALTY REAL MADRID!
57 minBOOKING! Reyes (Sevilla) is booked for bringing Modric to the ground inside the box. It is terrible from a player of such experience - Modric was going away from the goal there!
58 minMISS! Ronaldo fires his spot kick over the crossbar! Wow!
59 minBale fires into the stands as Real Madrid continue to seek a second here!
60 minCLOSE! Good grief! Kroos's super strike just rises over the crossbar!
60 minCROSSBAR! Bale hits the crossbar with a fine header as Sevilla somehow survive once again. Bale was above everyone inside the box and it looked certain to register!
61 minGOAL DISALLOWED! Gameiro has the ball in the back of the net for Sevilla, but the offside flag is raised. It was onside for me! Terrible decision once again here!
62 minBOOKING! Krychowiak (Sevilla) is booked for dissent.
63 minRonaldo fires a free kick into the Sevilla wall as this match continues to produce!
64 minGOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
65 minReal Madrid finally have their second of the night as Ronaldo converts a low Danilo cross from close range. It had been coming and that is a massive goal in the context of this game.
66 minGOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (Bale)
67 minReal Madrid have their third of the night as Bale converts from close range after Benzema had flicked the ball over the advancing Rico. Very simple goal, but Bale will take that!
70 minREAL MADRID SUB! Jese Rodridugez replaces Bale for the home team.
72 minSEVILLA SUB! Munoz replaces Iborra for Sevilla here.
74 minReal Madrid look capable of scoring each time they break forward at the moment as Sevilla continue to wobble at the back. The visitors look to have run out of legs here!
76 minREAL MADRID SUB! James Rodriguez replaces Casemiro for the home team.
78 minGameiro has worked his socks off for Sevilla tonight, but the Frenchman has just not had enough from those behind him. I am surprised that Llorente has not been introduced in this match.
80 minGameiro again finds space outside the Real Madrid box, but his effort is high and wide.
81 minREAL MADRID SUB! Isco replaces Benzema for the home team.
83 minSmart goalkeeping from Navas as Tremoulinas attempts to find the bottom corner after good work from Escudero. Sevilla are worth a goal tonight and it would be nice to see them get one late on.
85 minSAVE! Again it is excellent from Navas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper keeps out Gameiro from close range, before rising to his feet and saving at the second time of asking - brilliant!
86 minGOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Sevilla (Jese)
87 minReal Madrid have their fourth of the match as Jese finds the back of the net from close range after a mix-up inside the Sevilla box. Not sure about the defending once again there!
89 minThe fact that Real Madrid have been able to bring James Rodriguez, Jese and Isco off their bench tonight is an indication of just how strong they are right throughout the squad.
90 minCLOSE! Tremoulinas volleys just wide of Navas's post for the visitors!
90 min+1Just the two additional minutes to be played at the Bernabeu.
90 min+2FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Sevilla
9.20pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 4-0 winners over a injury-hit Sevilla team. Los Blancos are now just one point behind second-place Atletico and 10 points off the leaders Barcelona. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action!
