Amid a resilient defensive performance, Sevilla managed to frustrate their star-studded hosts in their quest for an opening goal.
However, just when it seemed that Real Madrid’s attacking prowess had hit a roadblock, substitute Luka Modrić produced a moment of brilliance to crush Sevilla’s hopes.
From the edge of the penalty area, the Croatian midfielder unleashed a superb strike that left Ørjan Nyland with no chance of making a save.
Despite Modrić’s heroics, there remains a lingering controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s decisive goal, as Jesús Navas, the captain of Sevilla, voiced his belief that Antonio Rüdiger should have been flagged for offside in the build-up to Modrić’s goal.
Addressing the media after the match at the Bernabéu, Navas highlighted his disappointment with his side’s defeat and emphasized his perspective that Rüdiger’s positioning warranted an offside call.
Navas’ assertion was indeed reviewed by the VAR team during the match, but ultimately, it was determined that Rüdiger did not directly impact the play.