(Football news) Real Madrid defeated Sevilla by 3 goals to 1 and extended their unbeaten run. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu was electric as Luka Modric and Zinedine Zidane presented Karim Benzema with the Ballon d'or. Thibaut Courtois was also presented the Yashin trophy by his idol and Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas. The Belgian keeper returned between the sticks after missing the last 6 games. Benzema on the other hand didn't play due to an injury that will keep him out for another 5 days. Carlo Ancelotti selected his strongest available playing XI which didn't have a place for Antonio Rudiger.
It took Los Blancos just 5 minutes to break the deadlock as Luka Modric scored from a beautiful assist by Vinicius Jr. Madrid controlled the rest of the half but couldn't get a 2nd goal. Sevilla came back with more intent in the 2nd half and got the equalizer in the 54th minute via Erik Lamela. After the scores were level Real Madrid once again stepped on the gas and scored in the 79th minute. The goal came after a lightning quick counter attack which was finished by Lucas Vazquez. Vinicius Jr got his 2nd assist of the game to continue his incredible run of form. Fede Valverde sealed the 3 points with another one of the Uruguayan's trademark long shots in the 81st minute.
Barcelona put on a show as they defeated Athletic Club 3-0. Xavi changed his system a little by playing 4 midfielders with Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski up top. Raphinha for the first time this season didn't play a single minute. It was the Ousmane Dembele show at the Camp Nou. After a lackluster performance in the El Clasico Dembele was benched in the game against Villarreal. He returned to the line-up in this game and was by far the best player on the pitch.
The Frenchman opened the scoring in the 12th minute by heading Lewandowski's cross into the back of the net. 6 minutes later he assisted Sergi Roberto who scored his 2nd goal of the season. In the 21st minute Robert Lewandowski scored another great goal which was 17th of the season and the assist once again came from Dembele. Ferran Torres got Barcelona's 4th in the 2nd half as Dembele completed his hat-trick of assists. Barcelona are getting things back on track after a tough period. Athletic Club were toothless as they had only 34% possession and 3 tame shots on target.
Atletico Madrid jumped to 3rd place on the table with a 2-1 win over Real Betis away from home. The 1st half was very cagey as both teams failed to create any significant chances. It was Betis who looked to have opened the scoring 3 minutes into the 2nd half via Luis Enrique but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. In the 54th minute Antoine Griezmann took a corner which somehow found its way into the back of the net. The goal was given to the Frenchman who continued his great form. 17 minutes later he was set up for his 2nd by substitute Matheus Cunha. The home side managed to get a goal back as Nabil Fekir scored a direct free kick in the 82nd minute. In the 91st minute Betis came close to getting the equalizer as Alex Moreno struck the crossbar. Atletico in the end managed to hold on and get the 3 points.
