Real Madrid welcomed Sevilla to the Spanish capital on Saturday looking for the three points ahead of next week's Champions League tie against Manchester United.
The home side were ahead after 18 minutes when Karim Benzema turned home from close range before Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 with a stunning effort eight minutes later.
Sevilla continued to create chances, but they were three behind moments into the second period when Ronaldo collected a loose ball before firing into the bottom corner.
The Portuguese then completed his hat-trick on 59 minutes to cap a sensational display, but Manu del Moral had one back for Sevilla in the final minute.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! No rest for the wicked! Our final La Liga live commentary of the day comes from the Spanish capital as Real Madrid welcome Sevilla. Madrid’s defeat to Granada last time out left them seven points behind Atletico Madrid and 16 behind leaders Barcelona. Sevilla, meanwhile, have impressed in recent weeks and sit just seven points from a Champions League position.
With Manchester United to come in the Champions League next week, Madrid will want to continue their impressive home record this evening. They have won eight and drawn two of their matches on their own patch, scoring 32 times in the process. That is in contrast to Sevilla, who have managed just one win from 11 matches on the road.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have certainly enjoyed the best of it, winning four of the last five matches. However, as mentioned they were beaten 1-0 by Sevilla earlier in the season. Prior to that, they had scored an incredible 17 goals in four games against the Seville outfit.
TEAMS:
REAL MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Coentrao; Kaka, Modric, Essien; Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain
SEVILLA: Beto; Maduro, Navarro, Spahic, Fazio; Reyes, Coke, Medel, Kondogbia, Navas; Negredo
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Incredible attacking side named by Jose Mourinho with Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain both starting together alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Sevilla, meanwhile, once more name Jose Antonio Reyes and Jesus Navas in support of Alvaro Negredo. The home side get the action underway.
A reminder that Real Madrid welcome Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday, but first they must overcome an improving Sevilla outfit this evening. It is a surprise to see Ronaldo in the side, but needs must. Strong start from the home side as Arbeloa drives down the right, but he is felled by Navarro. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
This is by no means an easy game for the home side with Unai Emery losing just one of his six games since taking charge of Sevilla. The game's first half-chance comes to Ronaldo as the Portuguese strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was straight at Beto. I wonder if Sir Alex Ferguson is reading this commentary in preparation for next week? Madrid are in need of a confidence boost.
Madrid continue to dominate the early stages of the match as Modric combines with Higuain before driving a low cross into the box, but Fazio is on hand to make the clearance. Reyes manages to gain some ground down the other end, but his pass towards Negredo is cut out by Albiol.
Half-chance for the away side as Negredo pokes a pass towards Navas, the Spanish winger evades Arbeloa before driving into the penalty area, but the offside flag is raised. Replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. You just get the feeling that Madrid need to score the first goal this evening to keep the home supporters on side.
Last time out against Granada, Madrid were just about as bad as you could ever imagine that they would be. They have not started this match with all guns blazing, but their passing has been quicker and sharper thus far. Not too much for Sevilla in the attacking third in the opening 10 minutes of this match.
Ronaldo does not look entirely happy out there as he grimaces following a low cross into the box. It is surprising that Mourinho has decided to start his best player this evening. Sevilla have a couple of good moments as Navas drives down the left before evading Albiol, but his low cross towards Negredo is cleared by Ramos. Not too much to get excited about in the early stages of this match.
Half-chance for the home side as Kaka strikes an effort from outside the box, but Beto is more than equal to the danger. The pressure continues as Modric weaves his way through two defenders, but Navarro is across to clear. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters making the noise with 14 minutes on the clock.
It really is an important few weeks for Madrid with two matches against Manchester United and two matches against Barcelona to come. It would be fair to state that they will not win the league title this season, but the Champions League and the Copa del Rey remain viable targets. Sevilla have just started to play their way back into this match as they enjoy possession of the ball.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of giving away a couple of free kicks. The latest comes to Reyes, with the Spaniard whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but it just evades the head of Negredo before moving out for a goal kick. Problems in the Madrid defence once more.
Half-chance for the home side once more as Modric collects possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the Sevilla supporters continue to enjoy their evening as they continue to sing a very catchy tune.
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (Benzema)
Well, the Sevilla supporters are not singing anymore. Just about one of the strangest goals you will see as Ronaldo drives a low cross into the box, Navarro makes contact, but it moves backwards towards Benzema, who is on hand to roll over the line. It looked offside, but the flag stayed down.
It hasn't been the most inspiring of performances from Madrid thus far, but that goal will certainly give them confidence. Reyes attempts to cause a problem down the other end as he drives down the left, but Kaka is back to perform his defensive duties. Is the Brazilian in line for a start against Manchester United?
Good pressure from the away side in the last few minutes with Kondogbia at the heart of their play once more. A cross does eventually come into the box from Reyes, but Negredo is flattened in a challenge with Lopez, who of course joined Madrid from Sevilla in the winter window. We are just about at the midway point in the first period.
Half-chance for Madrid once more as Ramos rises highest in the penalty area, but his header is cleared by Navarro. Navas advances down the other end before finding Reyes, but the Spaniard is unable to produce a cross. However, they will have taken plenty of heart from their performance in the opening 25 minutes.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
Oh my word! There was some doubt as to whether Ronaldo should have started this evening, but he was produced something special here. The Portuguese evades two challenges before thumping his effort into the bottom corner. Just stunning from Ronaldo.
Well, Madrid have not really been on top form this evening, but they are 2-0 up with just about 30 minutes on the clock. Surely the Manchester United players are watching this game. They will have been impressed with what they have seen thus far. It would not be a surprise to see some changes made early in the second period in preparation for next week.
Half-chance for the away side as Navas picks up possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. The Spaniard's long wait for a league goal this season continues. For the neutral, it is so important that Sevilla score the next goal, or it really is game over.
Another half-chance from the resulting corner as Spahic the cross from Reyes, but he can only head over the target. All it takes is a moment like that and this game is back on as a contest. A reminder that Sevilla have only won one of their 11 matches away from home this season. That does not fill me with too much optimism of a turnaround.
CHANCE! Sevilla's best chance of the match comes to Reyes as the winger collects a pass from Navas before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Lopez is across to make a fine save. Just looking at the Madrid side this evening, just four of the starting 11 are Spanish. Barcelona are always around the eight, nine mark.
End-to-end football at the moment as Ronaldo drives into the Sevilla box before losing possession, with Medel embarking on a similar run down the other end. The Sevilla midfielder forces a free kick, but once more Ramos is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting corner is taken by Navas, but Albiol rises highest to clear.
CHANCE! Ronaldo comes close to his second of the evening as Benzema finds the Portuguese in the box, but from a tight angle he can only fire over the crossbar. Another goal at this point and it is certainly goodnight for Sevilla. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
Sevilla continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but neither comes close to troubling Lopez in the Madrid goal. It has been a strange half of football, the away side have been impressive, yet they find themselves 2-0 down in Madrid. Not that their supporters mind as they continue to sing their hearts out.
Another half-chance comes to Sevilla as Higuain is penalised for handball outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Reyes, but Lopez moves across his goal to collect with ease. I suspect the goalkeeper has seen a few of those in training in recent seasons. Little over two minutes of the half remaining.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes with the referee forced into a couple of decisions. Sevilla continue to force free kicks with Reyes twice firing towards Negredo, but Ramos has been sensational in the air this evening. Ronaldo has one down the other end moments later, but his effort is palmed away by Beto.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional minute of stoppage time at the end of the half and we are indeed into that one minute. Ronaldo has another effort from distance in the final seconds of the first period, but this time Beto collects with ease.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee brings the opening period to an end with Madrid leading courtesy of goals from Benzema and Ronaldo. In truth, Sevilla have played quite well this evening, but they have been hit with a sloppy first and a wonderful second.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Madrid have shaded the possession with 59%, while they have had 10 attempts to Sevilla's five. It would be fair to say that the home side deserve to be in the lead, but an early goal for Sevilla in the second period would be very much game on.
What about the benches for this evening? Madrid have a host of attacking options on the sidelines with Mesut Ozil, Jose Callejon and Alvaro Morata all capable of making a difference. Meanwhile, Sevilla also have attacking talent on the bench in the shape of Javi Hervas and Diawara. I expect Madrid to make changes with next week's clash against Manchester United in mind.
As it stands, Madrid would close the gap on rivals Atletico Madrid to four points, but the second-placed outfit would have a game in hand. Sevilla, meanwhile, would remain in 11th position with 29 points. But there is no question that their form has improved in recent weeks.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all that surprising at this stage of proceedings. I suspect the changes will come around the hour mark from Mourinho. Sevilla get the half underway.
GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
Wow. Some start to the second period. It's a horror mistake from Fazio as the defender loses sight of the ball, allowing Ronaldo to take control and fire his effort into the bottom corner. He just doesn't miss when he gets inside the penalty area.
Well, I was going to say that Sevilla had to score the next goal if they were to have any chance in this match. That has not been the case. Ronaldo will be keen to say on the pitch as he attempts to score another treble, but I suspect that he will be taken off before the end of the match. Explosive start from the home side as they attack once more.
Another half-chance for the home side as Modric strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. In fairness to the Sevilla supporters, they continue to make their voices known. One win in their previous 11 matches on the road did not point to three points this evening, but this could get nasty in the second half.
Half-chance for Sevilla this time as Medel is bundles over by Ramos just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Negredo, but his effort is thumped straight into the wall. It has been a frustrating evening for the Spanish striker. There is a chance this half could turn into a slight non-event.
Not too much to report in the last few minutes with Sevilla struggling to keep hold of the possession. A half-chance does arrive for the home side as Ronaldo drives down the right before firing a high cross into the box, but Navarro rises above Benzema to clear the danger.
Sevilla come close with a chance of their own as Reyes beats the offside trap before firing a low cross into the box, but it was just out of the reach of Negredo. The Spanish striker does hit the back of the net moments later, but the offside flag is raised and play is resumed with a Madrid goal kick.
The crowd have certainly appreciated the efforts of Kaka this evening, who has put in a real shift for his side. You have to wonder what the Brazilian has to do to force his way into this side on a regular basis. I remember the player that took apart Manchester United in the Champions League a few seasons ago. He still has that ability on the ball. All his performance needs is a goal.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Sevilla (Ronaldo)
Wow, just wow. Ronaldo has his third of the evening as he meets a cross from Higuain to tap home from close range. My word does he like playing against Sevilla. Sir Alex Ferguson will not have enjoyed his performance this evening! Surely he will now be taken off?
It's relentless from the home side at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the Sevilla half. In this form they are just devastating. The crowd is up for it and Mourinho even had a hint of a smile in the first period. It's the perfect preparation for next week's Champions League clash with Manchester United.
The change is indeed made as Ronaldo is replaced by Alvaro Morata. Wonderful reception from the crowd. He has scored his 20th Real Madrid hat-trick this evening. Now he will rest up in preparation for next week. It is also a big moment for Morata, who has been tipped as a real star of the future.
RED CARD: Madrid are reduced to 10 men in quite sensational fashion as Higuain fells Coke in a wide area. The Argentine had picked up a yellow for handball in the second period and has now been given his marching orders. Who saw that coming?!
Madrid make change number two and three respectively as Pepe and Jose Callejon replace Kaka and Benzema. Does that mean Benzema will start against United next week? I would assume he would play the striking role with Ronaldo operating from a wide position. Ozil, who is on the bench this evening, will be a certain starter alongside Sami Khedira.
Another half-chance for the home side as Modric fires a searching free kick into the penalty area, but Fazio rises highest to clear the danger. Interestingly, Pepe is playing central midfield in the final 20 minutes of this match. Is that an indicator that he could play there against United? Or am I reading too far into it? We shall soon see.
Sevilla make a double change of their own as Reyes and Medel are replaced by Manu del Moral and Moreno, who is making his first league appearance of the season this evening. In fairness to Sevilla, they continue to attack with numbers, but they have been unable to find a way through this Madrid defence this evening.
Not too much to report in the last few minutes with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Sevilla continue to attack down each wing with Manu and Navas, the former has an effort from outside the box, but Lopez was always comfortable in dealing with the danger.
Half-chance for Negredo to score a consolation for his side as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. It has been a disappointing evening for the Spanish striker, who has had the beating of Arbeloa for large periods of this match.
Modric takes on the free kick duties with Ronaldo off the pitch as the Croatian strikes an effort from outside the box, but it moves high and wide of the goal. Meanwhile, the away side make their third and final change of the evening as the impressive Kondogbia is replaced by Javi Hervas.
CHANCE! Another glorious chance for the away side as Manu finds Negredo in the box, but the Spanish striker can only fire wide of the goal once more. It really has not been his night this evening. Little over 10 minutes remaining and Madrid still lead 4-0.
RED CARD: Sevilla are also reduced to 10 men as Maduro is given his marching orders for a challenge on Essien. No arguments from anyone on the pitch with the defender diving into the midfielder. What on earth was he doing?!
The Sevilla supporters continue to raise their voices in the final moments of this match, but the football has sort of fizzled out with a host of challenges taking the tempo out of proceedings. Mourinho will take many positives from his team's performance this evening. For Sevilla? They must now focus on next Friday's match against Deportivo.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to make it five in the final moments of this match as Callejon dances into the box before firing a powerful effort towards the top corner, but Beto is across to make a fine save.
Sevilla attempt to end the match in the ascendancy as Navas dances past two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Negredo. Morata has the ball in the net down the other end moments later, but the offside flag is raised.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-1 Sevilla (Manu del Moral)
The away side do indeed have a late consolation as Manu advances into the box before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. That has sparked some celebrations from the away supporters.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football at the end of the match and we are into the first of those. The Sevilla supporters have had a goal to cheer this evening, but it is Madrid that pick up all three points. The final minute of football is played out in front of a half-empty stadium.
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. Ronaldo scores three as Madrid record a 4-1 win over Sevilla. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and look out for our analysis which will be on the site within the next 30 minutes. Good evening!
