Defeat sees Real Madrid slip behind rivals

Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Sevilla on Wednesday, in the aftermath of a stinging Clasico defeat, to slip behind in the Spanish title race, while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both won to move ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s men in the standings.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid in charge with his league-leading 27th goal of the season in the 14th minute, but Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca scored twice, in the 19th and 73rd minutes, in an impressive comeback.

Madrid missed a host of chances, which included Ronaldo hitting the post before the break.

Madrid’s loss at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium came four days after they squandered a chance to effectively end Barcelona’s title defence, with Lionel Messi besting Ronaldo by scoring a hat trick in the course of a thrilling 4-3 win in the Spanish capital. These consecutive losses come after Ancelotti’s side had gone undefeated for 31 straight matches.

With Atletico Madrid beating Granada and Barcelona winning against Celta the result left Diego Simeone’s side top and Real Madrid third.