A late Diego Carlos own goal earned a hard-fought point for Real Madrid against Sevilla as the defending champions were denied an opportunity to go top of La Liga.
Toni Kroos’ shot in the 94th minute deflected in off Carlos as Los Blancos salvaged a draw to now sit two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid with 3 games to go in the league.
Fernando Reges gave Sevilla the lead after 22 minutes, slotting in from Ivan Rakitic’s nice knock-down.
Substitute Marco Asensio equalised for Madrid who struggled on the day, in the 67th minute but Rakitic then stepped up to take a penalty in the 78th minute to put the away side in the lead for a second time.
Eder Militao (R-3) of Real Madrid in action against Diego Carlos (L-3) of Sevilla during La Liga (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Eder Militao was penalised for a handball following a video assistant referee (VAR) review and the Croatian midfielder made no mistake from the spot before late drama saw Madrid pick up a crucial point that otherwise would have seen Sevilla moving to 74 points, which would have been equal with the Spanish champions.
Benzema appeared to have put Real ahead after 12 minutes with a header from Alvaro Odriozola’s cross, however, the goal was ruled out by VAR because Odriozola was offside.
Two points now separate Spain’s top three – with Barcelona, in third, level on points with Real with 75 points and Atletico Madrid still somehow leading the pack with 77 points.
Sevilla was denied a victory that now sees Julen Lopetegui’s side out of contention from winning the league, sitting six points behind the league leaders and just 3 games to go. ]
On Saturday, leaders Atletico protected their two-point lead at the top of La Liga with a goalless draw at Barcelona and they owe Sevilla a lot for managing to stop their city rivals from winning and retaining their Spanish league crown.
