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Real look CR9 dependent as Sevilla heed cry for challengers
One swallow does not make a summer, but Sevilla’s bristling 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday offers hope that the answer to the question posed in Thursday’s blog is ‘no’.
Three teams can challenge for the La Liga title this year.
Manolo Jimenez’s side inflicted a first defeat on Real with a vibrant, attacking display that was reminiscent of their performances under Juande Ramos when they won back-to-back UEFA Cups.
Sevilla are now level on 15 points with Real, though third due to their inferior goal difference. Barcelona are top with 18 points from six games.
Wingers Jesus Navas and Diego Perotti did the damage at the Sanchez Pizjuan, truly testing Real Madrid’s defence for the first time this season, but it was a strong all-round team performance.
They have strength in depth, are solid at the back and club president Jose Maria del Nido boasts: “the best strike force in Europe” with Frederic Kanoute, Luis Fabiano and Alvaro Negredo. They have now won seven on the trot in all competitions.
I agree with Iain, Dunoon Blue Boy, it was a cracking performance from Sevilla. But can they keep it going?
Petev and tttt, I think it is still early days with Real Madrid. Their problem has always been patience when things don’t go well and there is likely to be less of that than usual after spending 250mill euros.
I am sorry you think I’m promoting the EPL at la Liga’s expense Vincent, but don’t really watch EPL and don’t mention it here. Do you think Sevilla can mount a sustained challenge or are Deportivo Coruna, for example, going to surprise us?