Real Madrid beats Sevilla 2-0 to stay in LaLiga title race

Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in matchday 9 of the 2026-27 LaLiga season. Arda Güler opened the scoring around the 30-minute mark with a strike from the edge of the penalty area that sailed over goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, assisted by Yan Diomandé. Kylian Mbappé extended Madrid's advantage shortly before halftime with a second goal.

The victory keeps Real Madrid in contention for the title, though Barcelona maintains an unbeaten record across nine matches with 100% wins. Madrid entered the match in fourth place with 18 points, six behind the leaders. The result is significant given Madrid's recent away defeats to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid, and the absence of key forward Vinícius Júnior, who was serving a four-match suspension.

Sevilla, playing without several injured players including Jon Guridi, Miguel Sierra, Marcos Teixeira, and others, offered limited resistance at the Bernabéu. The club entered the match in fifth place with 14 points, four behind Madrid. Manager Luis García Plaza had forward Lucas Stassin available but could not prevent Madrid's dominance.

Madrid's tactical setup under coach José Mourinho balanced defensive solidity with attacking width. Federico Valverde and Marc Cucurella provided projection down the flanks, while the midfield pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham controlled possession. Endrick and Yan Diomandé added dynamism in the final third. The win follows Madrid's dramatic 4-3 Champions League comeback victory over Roma on the road, where the team overcame a 1-3 deficit.

Real Madrid's next fixture is the Clásico against Barcelona on October 25, while Sevilla travels to Osasuna on October 26. Madrid remains unbeaten at home but must improve its away form to close the six-point gap to Barcelona.