Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla: Luka Modric's stunner sees Los Blancos battle past Sevilla and extend lead at the top

Real Madrid extended their lead at the summit of La Liga by eight points following a contentious 1-0 victory against Sevilla. Sergio Ramos, on his comeback to the Santiago Bernabeu, witnessed his previously unblemished head-to-head record against his former club (W1, D2) come to a halt.

As anticipated, the hosts dominated the territory right from the start. However, it was their opponents who managed to create the first opportunity of the evening. Isaac Romero delivered a perfect cross from the left, finding Youssef En-Nesyri, but the striker disappointingly missed the target with just Andriy Lunin to beat.

It seemed like En-Nesyri would pay for his miss immediately when Los Blancos launched a swift attack, resulting in Lucas Vazquez confidently finishing the move.

Nevertheless, after a lengthy review in the VAR booth, referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos rightfully disallowed the goal due to Nacho's foul on En-Nesyri in the build-up.

Sevilla's well-structured defense, led by the experienced 37-year-old Ramos, effectively limited the space for players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to exploit.

Consequently, the visiting goalkeeper Orjan Nyland did not face any challenging saves until he tipped Federico Valverde's long-range strike over the bar just before halftime.

Brahim Diaz, arguably Real's most impressive performer in the first half, almost created an opportunity for Valverde shortly after the break. However, the Uruguayan's shot hit the left-hand post after being scuffed.

On the other end of the pitch, Lucas Ocampos delivered an outside-of-the-foot cross to Romero, but Lunin made a superb save with his right leg, diverting the effort behind.

Rodrygo was the next to be left frustrated after an electrifying dribble, narrowly curling his shot wide. Nyland then made an excellent save to deny Vinícius' strike.

The match was temporarily halted when Diaz de Mera Escuderos had to exit the field due to injury, leading to fourth official Carlos Fernandez Buergo making his debut in a top-flight game.

With just 15 minutes left in regular time, Carlo Ancelotti made a strategic substitution, bringing in Luka Modrić for Nacho.

The move paid off as the 38-year-old scored a stunning goal from 20 yards out, despite Sevilla's protests about the offside position of Antonio Rudiger.

Real Madrid's unbeaten streak at home continues, with 18 matches without a loss (W15, D3), as they prepare to face Valencia in their pursuit of a 36th La Liga title.

Sevilla, on the other hand, will face Real Sociedad as they aim to widen the gap from the relegation zone.