Benzema completes Real Madrid fightback amid referee horror show

Real Madrid moved another step closer to the La Liga closer after coming from behind to beat Sevilla in a La Liga epic. Victory means they are now 15 points clear of both Barcelona and Sevilla with six games remaining although the Catalans do have a game in hand. For Sevilla, it leaves them third and in the Champions League spot by just four points. A draw would have possibly been the fairest outcome, but Ancelotti's side responded brilliantly in a game overshadowed by poor refereeing decisions by Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez.

Sevilla had taken the lead in the 21st minute through Ivan Rakitic and then Erik Lamela doubled their advantage four minutes later. Just before half-time, Eduardo Camavinga was inexplicably not shown a second yellow card and Madrid took full advantage of their good fortune. Substitute Rodrygo pulled one back in the 50th minute and then Vinicius thought he had levelled 15 minutes from time only for the referee to spot a handball not even Sevilla fans could see. Real responded well though and two goals from Nacho and Benzema saw them win at the death. The game had everything. 

The home side started the contest strongly and Martial had the first chance for Sevilla, but he hit wide. The home side continued to put the pressure and, minutes after Real had a penalty appeal turned down, they took the lead. Gomez was fouled by Modric outside the box and Ivan Rakitic hit a free-kick through the gap in the wall Militao had left to leave Courtois for dead. 

Moments later, it was two. Acuna headed the ball to Jesus Corona, who was actually fouled by Courtois, but the ball broke to Lamela who tapped in. Militao once again did not cover himself in glory. Sevilla continued to press for a third and in the 38th minute, we had the first refereeing controversy. Martial was away and Camavinga, who had already been booked, made a cynical challenge. It was a clear second yellow, but the referee said no foul and even cautioned Martial for the throwing the ball into the ground in disgust. In fact, the former United man had to go off injured. 

 

April 17, 2022

Madrid went into the dressing room 2-0 down and lucky not be with 10 and they were a different side in the second 45. Rodrygo came on for Camavinga and within minutes he scored. Carvajal played a one-two with Vinicius before squaring for Rodrygo who scored. That gave Madrid extra confidence and the chances kept on coming for Ancelotti's men. Benzema shot wide just after the hour mark and then in the 74th minute, there was another controversial refereeing decision. 

Lucas Vazquez put in a cross which Modric headed, the ball struck Vinicius' shoulder and the Brazilian hit home. The on field official gave handball and the VAR called the referee over for another look. However, despite the goal being legal, the referee stuck with his on field decision of handball, much to the fury of Real Madrid's players. Madrid fought back well though. 

Nacho levelled the scores eight minutes from time and getting on the end of a pass and hitting home. The Sevilla players wanted a foul by Carvajal in the build up, but their appeals were turned down. Then, in the 92nd minute, Benzema broke Sevilla's hearts. Vinicius found Rodrygo, who cut back from the by-line to Benzema and he hit home. It was a thrilling end to an entertaining contest which will be talked about for days to come.