Karim Benzema scored in the second half to ensure Real Madrid rebounded from its poor performance in the Champions League with its first victory at Sevilla in four years.
Benzema's 64th-minute header clinched the 1-0 Spanish league victory on Sunday. It came with the pressure building on coach Zinedine Zidane after his team didn't manage a shot on goal during a 3-0 loss at Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League group opener.
Madrid's players responded to their embarrassing performance in Paris on Wednesday — when Zidane criticized them for not giving enough effort — by intensely chasing Sevilla players at all times to regain possession.
"We knew how tough it would be. We hadn't won here in years" said Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. "We can now relax some after all that has been said this week. When (Zidane) spoke about intensity, he was talking about paying attention to the details, about winning the individual battles, and today we showed we were motivated to get the win."
Both sides gave fans at El Pizjuan Stadium an attractive contest, featuring non-stop pressure and sleek passing combinations.
Sevilla goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik blocked a shot from a tight angle by Eden Hazard in the 35th after James Rodríguez stole possession from Fernando. Vaclik then saved a one-on-one situation against Dani Carvajal.
Sevilla, coached by former Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, responded with the combined speed of Lucas Ocampos and Jesus Navas on its right flank. Substitute Oliver Torres added more playmaking in the middle when he came on early in the second half.
The goal came after Madrid gained possession once again which allowed Carvajal to reach the end line and float a cross for Benzema to head over Vaclik, who was caught on his wrong foot.
That was only the second goal Sevilla's defense had conceded in six matches in all competitions this season.
The loss was Sevilla's first of the campaign.
Madrid is in second place, behind leader Athletic Bilbao on goal difference. Granada, Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Atlético Madrid are one point behind. Struggling Barcelona, which lost 2-0 at Granada on Saturday, is in eighth place.
