Real Madrid welcomed Sevilla to the Bernabeu on Wednesday looking to recover from their defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico at the weekend.
Gareth Bale opened the scoring for the home side after 13 minutes with a curling effort, before the Welshman added his second after 27 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act moments later from the penalty spot, but goals from Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca cut the score to 3-2 at the interval.
Madrid had their fourth in the early stages of the second period, however, when Karim Benzema turned in Bale's cross from close range, before Ronaldo added his second on the hour mark.
Sevilla were not finished, however, as Rakitic added his second to cut the score to 5-3 with 63 minutes on the clock.
Ronaldo was not finished either, as the Portuguese scored his third with 20 minutes remaining as he added the ninth of the game, before Rakitic passed up the chance to score his third from the spot.
Madrid added their seventh of an incredible game late on when Benzema completed his brace, with the final score finishing 7-3.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Sevilla. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be looking to recover from disappointment at the weekend when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona in El Clasico. As it stands, they are nine points off the top of the table, although Barcelona have played one match more.
Sevilla, meanwhile, really struggled in the early part of the season, but they have found some form in recent weeks. Unai Emery’s slick outfit have won two of their last three in the league, with a total of 13 points leaving them in 10th position in the table. However, they are yet to win on the road this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five, with Sevilla also winning once. That success came in the Estadio Ramon last season, where Sevilla were 1-0 winners. However, prior to that, Madrid had recorded back-to-back 6-2 wins away to their opponents this evening.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Khedira, Illarramendi; Ronaldo, Isco, Bale; Benzema
SEVILLA: Beto; Pareja, Carrico, Navarro, Figueiras; Rakitic, Mbia; Moreno, Jairo, Vitolo; Bacca
So there we have it. Alvaro Arbeloa, Isco and Karim Benzema come into the Madrid XI this evening, while there is a place on the bench for Xabi Alonso. Sevilla, meanwhile, are without French striker Kevin Gameiro, with Carlos Bacca leading their line. Right, the home side get the action underway in the Spanish capital. Let's hope for entertainment in Madrid.
Gareth Bale makes his first La Liga start in the Bernabeu for Madrid this evening. It appears that he will line up on the right, with Isco in the middle and Ronaldo on the left. Benzema will lead the line. Interesting selection for Sevilla, with Alberto Moreno seemingly playing on the left of midfield. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes this evening.
Just a reminder that Sevilla have not won away from home in the league in over 13 months. That is the task facing them this evening. Early involvement for the referee as Ronaldo is felled twice in quick succession down the left. Madrid continue to probe in the early stages with the likes of Illarramendi and Khedira enjoying plenty of the ball in the final third.
CHANCE! Wonderful from the home side as Benzema combines with Bale before feeding Isco inside the box, but the Spaniard can only clip his effort wide of the post. Very encouraging from Madrid in the early stages with their passing a lot quicker than it has been in the last couple of weeks.
Sevilla have barely had a touch in the opening eight minutes of this match, but they have not been too troubled by the home side aside from that Isco chance. The home supporters are expecting a response this evening there is no question about that. Jairo has a speculative effort for the away side moments later, but his strike is into the side netting.
Good spell for the away side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Jairo and Vitolo getting on the ball, but Diego Lopez has been untroubled thus far. Madrid have a half-chance moments later as Ronaldo drives a deep cross into the box, but Benzema cannot make contact under pressure from Beto. Meanwhile, M'Bia appears to have a problem as he falls inside the Madrid box.
Again it's good work from Vitolo for the away side as he drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Lopez is on hand to clear. End-to-end football with 12 minutes on the clock, but neither goalkeeper has been tested during this period. An early goal for Madrid would just settle everyone down.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (Bale)
Bale opens the scoring for his new club this evening as the Welshman collects a pass from Benzema on the edge of the box before curling a fine effort into the top corner. That should silence some doubters. Stunning strike from the former Spurs man.
Suddenly everyone in white wants the ball as Madrid pass and probe outside the box. Marcelo eventually delivers a deep cross into the box, but Pareja is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that Sevilla cannot afford to fall two goals behind at this stage of the match.
CHANCE! Bale comes close to scoring his second as he curls one from inside the box, but Beto is on hand to make a fine save. It has been all about the Welshman thus far, but I suspect Ronaldo will want to get in on the act soon. Benzema has also had a bright opening 19 minutes in the Bernabeu.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese dances past two defenders before attempting to find the top corner, but Beto is on hand to make the save. Sevilla are really struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue. It does appear that the second goal could be on its way.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Benzema finds Bale on the edge of the box, but his effort just moves high and wide of the crossbar. It has been some 23 minutes for the Welshman. He looks in the mood this evening. Sevilla are still a threat on the counter, however, as Rakitic drives a low cross into the box.
Sevilla have just managed to settle in the last couple of moments and you get the feeling that they fancy their chances of finding the back of the net this evening. Alberto Moreno tries his luck from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. For all their attacking talent, Madrid still look suspect in defence there is no question about that.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as he is forced to deal with a number of challenges. A yellow card is handed to 21-year-old Moreno as the Sevilla full-back fells Ronaldo. Bale takes the resulting set piece, but Carrico is on hand to clear with a towering header.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla (Bale)
Bale scores his second for the home side as his free kick takes a big deflection off Moreno before nestling in the back of the net. The Welshman will claim that, that is for certain. Quite a night for the attacker at the moment.
Well, Bale has been criticised during his early Madrid career, but he has answered some questions this evening. Who would back against the hat trick? Madrid are so comfortable at the moment as they continue to keep possession in the Sevilla half. It is going to be a long night for the away side.
Another half-chance for the home side as Isco dances into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but M'Bia just manages to make a challenge at the final moment. Sevilla cannot keep the ball at the moment as Madrid continue to force the issue. A third goal would surely end this one as a contest.
PENALTY TO REAL MADRID!
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
The home side have their third of the evening as Isco is felled inside the box by Navarro. The referee points to the spot and Ronaldo steps up to send his effort into the corner of the net. Sevilla are in trouble here there is no question about that.
It is already damage limitation for Sevilla, who had made a bright start to proceedings this evening. The home side come again through Benzema, but this time his cross is into the arms of Beto. Carlo Ancelotti's side look like scoring each time they enter the final third, which has not been the case for spells of this season.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Sevilla enjoying more of the ball in the final third. One goal for the away side would give them a hint of a chance in the second period, but they have struggled to really test Lopez thus far, as Rakitic strikes another one wide from outside the box.
PENALTY TO SEVILLA!
The away side are handed a penalty with 38 minutes on the clock as Ramos is penalised for a push on Figueiras inside the box. It is soft, but Sevilla have the chance to open their tally here.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 Sevilla (Rakitic)
Sevilla do indeed open their tally for the evening as Rakitic sends his penalty into the bottom corner. Two soft awards this evening there is no question about that.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla (Bacca)
Oh my good grief! Sevilla score their second as Jairo drives into the box before finding Bacca, who turns home from close range. What a stunning half of football we have had here.
Sevilla do not want the first period to end as they continue to attack down the Madrid right. If anything, this should force the home side to raise their level in the second half. Bale drives down the right for the home side before finding Khedira, but his cross is turned clear by Moreno.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with neither side too interested in defending. I said that the game was over at 3-0, but somehow Sevilla have pulled themselves back into the match. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 3-2 Sevilla
Wow, just wow. Some half of football in the Spanish capital. The home side raced into a three-goal lead, but Sevilla scored twice in the latter stages of the half to cut the score to 3-2 at the interval. What will happen in the second period? You will not want to miss it that is for certain.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 66%, while they have had nine attempts to Sevilla's seven. In truth, the match looked over at 3-0, but poor defending has cost Madrid once more. It has been some half for Bale, however, with the Welshman scoring twice in the Bernabeu.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking players on the bench in the shape of Angel di Maria, Alvaro Morata and Luka Modric. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is also expected to be given a run out. Sevilla, meanwhile, have the likes of Juan Cala, Diego Perotti and Jose Antonio Reyes in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Let's hope that the second half matches the excitement of the first. Sevilla get the action underway.
Bright start to the second period from Sevilla as Moreno drives down the right, but he is chopped down by Marcelo. The resulting free kick is delivered towards Rakitic, but Arbeloa is on hand to clear the danger. I suspect not too many people fancied a Sevilla comeback at 3-0 Madrid. Now, it could happen.
Another half-chance for the away side as Bacca drives into the Madrid box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but his effort is straight into the arms of Lopez. Madrid break down the other end with Bale moments later, but M'Bia is across to make the challenge. Five minutes of the second period played.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last couple of moments with Sevilla comfortable in dealing with the threat through the middle. It would not be a surprise to see Angel di Maria enter the field in the next 10 minutes or so. Khedira has been off-colour this evening there is no question about that.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla (Benzema)
Benzema opens his tally for the evening as the Frenchman collects a cross from Bale before sliding a low effort into the bottom corner. Brilliant for his confidence. Moments before, Lopez was called into action down the other end to deny Vitolo from close range.
Madrid will fancy their chances of scoring a few more in the latter stages as they continue to force players forward. I wonder how long Ancelotti will give Bale to score his third? It would be a surprise if the Welshman lasted the whole 90 minutes due to his injury problems in the early part of the season. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another penalty shout for the home side as Ronaldo goes down inside the box under a challenge from Beto, but the referee is not interested and rightly so. Beto picks up an injury for his troubles, but is deemed fit to continue. It would not be a surprise to see both managers look to their benches in the next five minutes or so, with more league games to come at the weekend.
Another half-chance for the home side as Bale delivers a dangerous cross into the box, there are more calls for a penalty, but the referee is not interested. Sevilla break down the other end with Bacca, but this time Ramos is across to clear the danger.
GOAL! Real Madrid 5-2 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo has his second of the match as the Portuguese meets a cross from Bale before turning his effort into the back of the net. Bale has two goals and two assists this evening.
Sevilla make two changes as Perotti and Gameiro replace Jairo and Bacca, who has just tired in the second period. Real Madrid call for another penalty moments later as Bale goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It has been a difficult night for the official there is no question about that.
GOAL! Real Madrid 5-3 Sevilla (Rakitic)
Sevilla score their third of the match as Rakitic bends a stunning effort into the top corner. Good grief what a match. There is a welcome return for Xabi Alonso moments later as the Spaniard replaces Illarramendi.
I wrote Sevilla off at 3-0 and then 5-2, but they keep on coming here. Surely they cannot score another? They have a chance from a free kick as Khedira fells Perotti outside the box. The resulting free kick will be taken by Rakitic, who is on a hat trick here, as are Ronaldo and Bale.
However, the resulting set piece is headed clear by Ramos. We still have more than 20 minutes remaining here and the score is 5-3. It has been the game of the season thus far there is no question about that. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals in the Spanish capital.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Sevilla as Rakitic finds Gameiro inside the box, but Lopez is on hand to make a fine save. Good grief what a match in the Spanish capital. Hardly time to take a breath here as Sevilla come again.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Madrid comfortable in possession of the ball. Benzema has been lively in the second period and he continues to pop up in the final third, but he loses possession in a challenge with M'Bia. Real Madrid make another change moments later as Isco is replaced by Modric.
GOAL! Real Madrid 6-3 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo completes his hat trick with 71 minutes on the clock as his deflected effort loops over Beto in the Sevilla goal. He certainly likes scoring against Sevilla. When are the goals going to stop?
PENALTY TO SEVILLA!
Sevilla are awarded a penalty, their second of the match, as Ronaldo fells Figueiras inside the box. Soft decision there is no question about that.
MISS! Rakitic fires his penalty high and wide of the crossbar! Oh my word.
RED CARD! Sevilla are reduced to 10 men here as M'Bia is sent off for a foul on Modric. What on earth will happen next?! I am trying to think of the last time I saw a match quite like this.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo fires a deep cross into the box, but Bale cannot make contact under pressure from Pareja. Is there time for another three or four goals in the latter stages?! It will take some match to top this one this season.
Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to force the issue in the final third. Bale comes close to meeting a through pass from Ronaldo moments later, but Lopez is across to clear at the vital moment. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Real Madrid 7-3 Sevilla (Benzema)
Another goal. Benzema scores his second of the match as the Frenchman meets a cross from Marcelo before planting his header into the back of the net. Three players are on a hat trick in the final 10 minutes, while Ronaldo already has one.
Madrid make their third and final change of the match as Di Maria replaces Khedira. Good grief Madrid have an attacking side on the pitch for the final six minutes. Ronaldo, Bale, Di Maria and Benzema are all in the final third. Surely there is time for another couple of goals here.
Sevilla make their third and final change as Reyes enters in place of Vitolo, who has been impressive this evening there is no question about that. Sevilla break down the other end with Gameiro moments later, but Bale is on hand to perform his defensive duties. Little under five minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Gameiro to score Sevilla's fourth as Reyes finds the Frenchman inside the box, but the former PSG striker can only turn his effort wide of the post. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Madrid break down the other end, but Marcelo is felled on the right. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. I think we have seen the last of the goals, although we cannot be too sure. It has been some night of football in the Spanish capital.
Possession football for Madrid in the latter stages as they keep the ball outside the Sevilla box. Marcelo has an effort from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
CHANCE! Ramos comes close from a free kick late on, but Beto is on hand to make a fine save. That is just about that for this one.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 7-3 Sevilla
So there we have it. An incredible night in the Spanish capital sees Real Madrid pick up all three points with a 7-3 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to check out the analysis of the match, which will be live before the end of the evening. Good night!
