Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of tonight's La Liga encounter between Sevilla and Real Madrid at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Sevilla finished last season in ninth position after a disappointing campaign - and they have felt the financial implications of back-to-back seasons away from the Champions League.
They have begun the new season in strong form, however, registering one win and two draws in their opening three games of the campaign.
Meanwhile, it has hardly been the best of starts for defending champions Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho's side began their season with a 1-1 draw against Valencia, but lost 2-1 away to Getafe.
They did pick up three points last time out against Granada, but they have started the campaign in sluggish fashion.
Please note that kickoff is at 9pm.
10.58pmOur full-time report of the match can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the evening and be sure to join us for the Premier League action tomorrow. Good night!
10.56pmMeanwhile, Sevilla move into third as they continue their unbeaten start to the season. How big a match in the context of the title will this prove to be?
10.54pmOh my word. So there we have it. Madrid fall eight points behind Barcelona at the top of the table after losing 1-0 to Sevilla. The goal came after just one minute when Piotr Trochowski struck from close range. The expected response from Madrid just never came - and it's their worst start to a La Liga season in over 10 years.
FULL-TIMESevilla 1-0 Real Madrid
90 min+4... but it moves over the crossbar. And that will be just about that.
90 min+4One last chance for Madrid as Ronaldo stands over a free kick...
90 min+3Vital seconds drift away as Modric plays it straight out of play for a Sevilla throw. The home side are almost there.
90 min+2The Sevilla fans think its all over. But it isn't. As it stands, Madrid remain eight points behind Barcelona. Maybe one last chance for Mourinho's side.
90 minWe will play four minutes of stoppage time at the end of the 90. Here we go then.
89 minStill Sevilla lead as we enter the final minute of normal time. If Madrid are going to get something, then it has to be now.
87 minSevilla continue to defend with such strength as another Madrid attack breaks down. But you just get the feeling that there is another chance in this match.
85 minSevilla are just about five minutes away from a famous famous result this evening. They have lost the last seven against Madrid. Will that change? Or can Madrid rescue something? Little over five minutes remaining.
83 minMeanwhile, third and final change for Sevilla as Trochowski is replaced by Kondogbia.
81 minChance! Wonderful challenge from Navarro as he denies Ronaldo when the striker was just about to pull the trigger. What a moment in this match!
79 minMarcelo's face says it all as he loses possession in his own half. There is still time for Madrid. But they just are not creating any chances.
77 minSevilla have just began to take the sting out of the match with a spell of possession in midfield. However, they must hang on for another 15 minutes or so.
75 minAgain it breaks down for Madrid as Marcelo loses possession on the edge of the penalty area. But they come straight back with Benzema and Ronaldo both involved.
73 minSo, little over 15 minutes remaining - and Sevilla remain in the lead. Madrid just have not threatened in this second period, bar one or two chances.
71 minChange for Madrid as Negredo is replaced by Luna. That's quite a defensive change If I may say so myself! Park the bus time.
69 minChance! So nearly a second for Sevilla as Navas searches out Negredo in the box, but Pepe just makes the clearance.
67 minNavas continues to cause Madrid problems with his direct running. Meanwhile, Mourinho's side continue to pass and probe.
65 minRonaldo is clearly getting frustrated here as he continues to lose possession. Meanwhile, change for the away side as Jose Callejon replaces Arbeloa. Attacker for a full-back.
63 minChance! Another fine opportunity for Madrid as Ronaldo finds Higuain in the box, but the Argentine's effort is deflected wide. It's all one-way traffic at the moment.
61 minChance! Oh my word! Somehow Ramos heads over from under the crossbar. I am not sure how he has missed?! Meanwhile, change for Sevilla as Rakitic is replaced by Manu.
59 minAnother Madrid attack breaks down as Khedira's cross is cut out by Botia. However, they continue to flood forward with little over 30 minutes remaining.
57 minIt just isn't quite falling for Madrid at the moment as Ronaldo's flick is cut out by Botia. Meanwhile, Navarro fires a cross wide at the other end.
56 minHow big a moment could that prove to be? It may well have been curtains at 2-0 Sevilla. But it remains just the one.
54 minChance! Oh my word! Brilliant chance for Negredo to add Sevilla's second as he advances into the box, but he drags it wide of the post.
52 minChance! Wonderful effort from Modric as he thumps an effort from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post. They are getting closer.
50 minSevilla remind us of their own threat as Negredo combines with Cicinho, but Marcelo just toes the ball to danger. This is unfolding just how Sevilla want it.
48 minWe start where we left off as Navas clatters into the back of Ramos. Some things never change! Meanwhile, there appears to be a better purpose from Madrid in this half.
46 minHere we go then. Madrid kick us off in the second period. Meanwhile, there has been two changes for Madrid as Di Maria and Ozil are replaced by Benzema and Modric.
10.02pmThe Madrid players are bursting to get started as they sprint around the Sevilla pitch. They look like a team on a mission. What will the second period bring...
10pmNo sign of any changes on the way from either side. Although I could be wrong. We are just moments away from the second period.
9.58pmOne thing is for certain, Madrid simply have to respond in the next 45 minutes. The small matter of Manchester City on Tuesday must not be in their thinking.
9.56pmWill we see the likes of Modric and Benzema for Madrid in the second period? Meanwhile, Sevilla will be content with their half of football.
9.54pmJust a reminder that Barcelona beat Getafe 4-1 earlier this evening. As it stands, Madrid would be eight points behind their title rivals.
9.52pmThere is certainly no love lost between the two sides - and that has been shown by a host of tasty challenges. Four players have been booked, but in truth it could have been an awful lot more.
9.50pmHiguain should have levelled the match with a header early in the opening half, while he blasted wide from close range after 20 minutes.
9.48pmSo there we have it. Sevilla lead Madrid 1-0 at the break courtesy of an early strike from Piotr Trochowski. Madrid have had chances to level, but they have failed to make the most of a host of decent positions.
HALF-TIMESevilla 1-0 Real Madrid
45 min+1Chance for Ronaldo on the stroke of the interval, but his shot is just wide of the post. And that will be just about that for this half.
45 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
44 minYet again both sets of players surround the referee as Di Maria is felled by Rakitic - who receives a yellow card for his troubles.
42 minNot a great deal in terms of chances in the past five minutes or so as we approach the half-time interval. Can Madrid level this one before the break?
40 minStandard yellow card for Pepe as he charges into the back of Negredo. It wouldn't be a Real Madrid match without Pepe seeing yellow!
38 minAnother sighter for the home side as Negredo produces a fine cross into the penalty area, but Casillas just plucks the ball from danger. Meanwhile, Palop denies Ronaldo at the other end.
36 minIt just isn't quite happening for Madrid at the moment as Ozil is crowded out in the final third. Will we see a certain Luka Modric in the second period?
34 minWonderful defending from Pepe as he just beats Negredo to the header after wonderful play from Nevas. Madrid are in trouble if the home side do add a second.
32 minAnother sighter for Sevilla as Navas attempts to slip in Negredo, but Pepe just makes the clearance - before Medel fires over the crossbar.
30 minWhere has that opening 30 minutes gone? Sevilla remain in the lead, while the aggressive challenges also remain. It is simply incredible how open it is.
28 minSighter for Sevilla as Maduro whips a dangerous cross into the area, but Trochowski just cannot make contact.
26 minThe referee has had a bit of a horror show there as he awards the home side a free kick when Medel simply jumped up in the air. Meanwhile, the home side are just starting to enjoy a period of possession.
26 minIt is already pretty clear how this match is going to progress. Madrid with possession, while Sevilla will hope to gain another goal on the break. Attack versus defence.
24 minHowever, the Sevilla wall remains strong as Ronaldo's strike is deflected off Pepe for a goal kick. Much to the frustration of the away side.
24 minAnother opportunity for Madrid as Ronaldo wins yet another free kick on the edge of the box. Guess who is going to take it? No prizes for the winner of course.
22 minChance! Wonderful opportunity for Sevilla as Nevas advances on goal, but he strikes straight at Casillas. It is just so open.
21 minChance! Another wonderful chance for Higuain as he gathers possession in the box, but he fires it high and wide from close range. They are getting closer.
20 minIt is quite amazing just how open Madrid are. They are more than happy to leave three against three in defence. But make no mistake, they are dominating this match now.
18 minI was just about to say that the match has settled in terms of challenges, but then Marcelo flew into the back of Navas. This is like an old-fashioned cup tie!
18 minChance! It's really nice play from Madrid as Ozil finds the head of Higuain in the box, but he fires wide when he should have done better.
16 minWe are just taking another look at the Sevilla goal - what a strike. The timing and accuracy was just wonderful. However, Madrid are just starting to dictate the tempo as the half develops.
14 minThe challenges continue to fly in as Arbeloa is clattered by Maduro. This is going just how Sevilla want it at the moment.
12 minThe last 11 league meetings between the two sides have produced 51 goals. How's that? Meanwhile, Higuain is still not happy as he is felled by Botia.
12 minMake no mistake about it - this is a proper game of football as Palop pushes a Ronaldo effort wide of the post once more. What an opening.
10 minChance for Madrid to take the lead as Ronaldo forces a free kick outside the box. However, his effort is thumped away by Andres Palop.
8 minSo nearly another chance for Sevilla as Nevas fires a low cross into the box, but Arbeloa just manages to clear the danger. Madrid do not look happy here.
8 minRight, have we all settled down after the handbags at dawn? It certainly appears that way as Madrid pass and probe in the Sevilla half.
6 minSo nearly another chance for Sevilla as Jesus Nevas puts Ramos under pressure in defence, but the Madrid defender just manages to clear the danger.
5 minHowever, Ozil's cross drifts straight through the Sevilla box. There is certainly no love lost between these two sides. Expect cards this evening.
4 minIt's all kicking off here as Higuain storms into a challenge with Botia - before aiming a kick at the defender. What a start. Meanwhile, the away side have a free kick.
2 minOh my word! Sevilla lead inside two minutes as Trochowski thumps the ball home from close range. What a start!
2 minGOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Real Madrid (Trochowski)
1 minChance! So nearly an early lead for Sevilla as Casillas fumbles in the area, but Negredo just fires wide. What a start that would have been.
1 minSevilla kick us off this evening. Did I say mild evening in Sevilla? It's about 30 degrees. My mistake!
8.58pmHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch on this mild night in Sevilla. Remember, Ronaldo is understood to be sad - so expect just three goals tonight from him instead of five, or six. Or seven?!
8.56pmDon't worry folks, I will stop rambling soon as kickoff fast approaches. Be sure to stay with us for the remainder of the 90 minutes.
8.54pmMeanwhile, Messi's double moves him onto six league goals for the season. In three and a bit games. That's not really fair is it?! Over to you Ronaldo.
8.52pmThe win moves Barcelona eight points ahead of Madrid. Granted, Madrid have a game in hand, but that is still a big gap at this stage of the season.
8.50pmFull-time: Getafe 1-4 Barcelona. Straightforward win for Barcelona as they make it four wins from four league games this season.
8.48pmJust the likes of Kaka, Luka Modric, Michael Essien, Karim Benzema and Co for the away side. Not too bad ay?! Just unreal.
8.46pmBack to both sides' substitutes bench for this evening - Sevilla have Diego Lopez, Cala, Luna, Campana, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Manu del Moral and Babe Diawara in reserve. Meanwhile, Madrid's is not too bad I suppose.
8.44pmUpdate: Barcelona lead Getafe 3-1 with around two minutes remaining.
8.42pmJesus Navas also starts for Sevilla this evening - and you just get the feeling that this season is a big one for the Spaniard. The 26-year-old certainly has talent, but he has yet to really push on. And by push on I mean earn a move to one of the top European clubs.
8.40pmJust a reminder that kickoff is just about 20 minutes away. We are expecting the players in the tunnel in around 10 minutes time.
8.38pmThere comes a time in each live commentary that I offer my prediction - and that time is now. Madrid really need to win this match, and I think they will, 1-2. But it will be a tough evening in Sevilla.
8.36pmIn terms of Sevilla - Alvaro Negredo starts as the lone striker. Meanwhile, he will be supported by Piotr Trochowski.
8.34pmRight, let's focus on tonight's match. Mourinho has named Higuain ahead of Karim Benzema this evening. Meanwhile, Luka Modric and Michael Essien are also in reserve.
8.32pmMeanwhile, Madrid may have an eye on their midweek Champions League meeting with Manchester City - but Mourinho will be keen to get among the leaders in La Liga once more. And by leaders, I mean Barcelona.
8.30pmLatest: Lionel Messi has just given Barcelona a 2-0 lead over Getafe. Surely they are on their way to another three points.
8.28pmMadrid have beaten Sevilla in each of the last seven meetings between the two sides. Meanwhile, they have sensationally recorded back-to-back 6-2 victories against Sevilla - with Ronaldo scoring a hat trick on each occasion. How's that for a record?
8.26pmSo there we have it. No real surprises for either team. Just a reminder that Barcelona still lead Getafe - and as it stands they are going well clear at the top of La Liga.
8.24pmTeams:
Sevilla: Palop; Navarro, Spahic, Maduro, Cicinho; Botia, Jesus Navas, Medel, Rakitic; Trochowski, Negredo
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Alonso, Khedira, Ozil; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Higuain
8.22pmBREAKING:: Angel di Maria starts for Real Madrid, but there is no place for Luka Modric. Full teams to follow.
8.20pmHowever, with Madrid unlikely to consider bids of less than �200m for the Portuguese skipper, it remains extremely unlikely that he will leave Spain in the near future - as much as former club Manchester United would love to have him back at Old Trafford.
8.18pmMadrid's pre-match preparations have also been dogged by suggestions that star man Cristiano Ronaldo could depart the club. The 27-year-old - whose contract runs out in 2015 - has reportedly suggested that he will seek pastures new at the end of the season.
8.16pmMeanwhile, Real Madrid - as mentioned - have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three league matches. Hardly the form of champions. They did, however, secure the Super Cup against Barcelona last month and will be confident of returning to their best form this evening.
8.14pmAs mentioned above, Sevilla are yet to taste defeat in the new campaign. They began their season with a 2-1 win over Gefafe, before earning away draws at Granada and Rayo Vallecano. They have lost a number of key players in recent seasons, but they remain a team challenging for European football.
8.12pmWe are expecting the team news in just about 10 minutes or so - and we will bring you the latest when we become aware. No major surprises are expected for either side.
8.10pmJust some other results to bring you from the two other La Liga fixtures that took place today: Malaga 3-1 Levante, Valencia 2-1 Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, Barcelona currently lead Getafe 1-0.
8.08pmGood evening all! It's La Liga time as we bring you live coverage from a pulsating encounter between two of Spain's biggest sides.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
