"We've made the league more fun"

It was pretty much a title decider. As close to one you will get in January. La Liga's top two going into the weekend were squaring up for the third time in a week and a half. The previous two encounters were Copa del Rey games but this was the biggest fixture. Real Madrid were top, played a game fewer than everyone and were unbeaten in forty games. Sevilla had slipped to third place by virtue of Barcelona's victory earlier in the weekend and were four points off top spot. The scenario ahead of kick-off was simple. A Real Madrid victory and it's a procession to the title, draw suits Madrid while a Sevilla victory opens the league up.

Real Madrid made a change in formation after the Copa game in midweek. Out went the 4-3-3 with Zidane switching to a 3-5-2. Marcelo and Carvajal pushing higher up as wing-backs allowing for a Nacho-Ramos-Varane back line. Sevilla were the high energy 4-2-3-1 with last week's hat-trick hero Wissam Ben-Yedder continuing up front.

The first half resembled a tactical game of chess with both sides growing into the game, Sevilla after twenty-five - thirty minutes. 0-0 at the interval and a fascinating half of football still to come. Both sides showing their quality without working both goalkeepers all that much. Sergio Rico making a comfortable save from Ronaldo and Navas was called upon later in the half.
The second half began much like most of the first half with both sides trying to find their rhythm. Sevilla settled quicker before a period of Madrid pressure saw the deadlock broken. Sergio Rico marginally off in his timing tackling Carvajal. Penalty given. After some petulance from both sides, Ronaldo eventually despatched the penalty low sending Rico the wrong way.

The concession of the goal seemed to spark Sevilla. New signing Stevan Jovetic was introduced in the midst of Madrid taking the lead. Pablo Sarabia was put into the fire of the clash with just over ten minutes remaining. Both players were to have the ultimate impact desired by coach Sampaoli. The equaliser arrived via the head of former Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos, as he headed in Pablo Sarabia's terrific free-kick into his own net. Still time for a winner and it came from the newly signed Montenegrin Jovetic. He unleashed a curling effort that, despite Keylor Navas' best efforts, found the back of the net to win the game for the hosts.

That goal had in the words of the goalscorer Jovetic "made the league more fun". Fun being competitive. Sevilla were now within one point of Real Madrid. The result also meant Barcelona climbed back into contention with Atlético having a small glimmer back in fourth. One result had opened up the league which now reads Real  Madrid 40, Sevilla 39, Barcelona 38 and Atlético 34. A three horse race with maybe a fourth.

It's been ten years now since Sevilla's last title challenge. After a similarly vital 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2007, Sevilla were shocked by bottom placed Gimnàstic. Next week Sevilla are away to current bottom side Osasuna. Sevilla will be hoping history doesn't repeat itself and that they can continue this terrific season.

This victory over Real Madrid was also a statement that Sevilla mean business. Steven N'Zonzi was a colossus in central midfield, a wonderful performance. Right-back Mariano equally as impressive and Samir Nasri also. Coach Sampaoli's changes showed why he is probably the most talked about coach this season, why the big clubs are interested in his services. Sevilla title winners?. Hopefully but they are definitely in contention. Hay Liga!.