Real Madrid were asleep in the early stages: Rafa Mir outwitted Courtois with a header on a corner and the damage could have been greater. Alaba had to help his goalkeeper on the line and Courtois kept Real in the game with a few saves.
But when things don’t go well, Real can always count on Karim Benzema. The Frenchman, already involved in 18 goals for Real this season, equalized after half an hour. He took advantage of a mistake by Sevilla goalkeeper Bono.
After the break, Real systematically increased the pressure and that paid off in the final phase. The until then quite invisible Vinicius Junior shook a flash from his shoes. The young Brazilian took down two defenders and launched a bullet into the top corner: 2-1.
The fans of Real have not forgotten Eden Hazard, but that other Belgian at the Royal showed his value in the extra time. Courtois made a crucial save on a header from close range to secure the victory. Real leads the table and is now 4 points ahead of Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad.
