Real Madrid’s dominant performance against Sevilla was slightly overshadowed by a defensive error from Aurélien Tchouaméni, which allowed the visitors to score a late goal.
While the team was still celebrating Rodrygo Goes’s stunning third goal, Tchouaméni’s brief lapse in concentration and defensive positioning allowed Sevilla to reduce the deficit.
The match at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Real Madrid control much of the play. Carlo Ancelotti’s side started strong, with Kylian Mbappé opening the scoring with a brilliant individual effort, followed by a powerful strike from Federico Valverde from long range. Rodrygo then added a third goal, seemingly putting the game beyond Sevilla’s reach.
However, shortly after Rodrygo’s goal, the mood was dampened by Tchouaméni’s mistake. As Sevilla launched a rapid counter-attack, the French midfielder failed to track Isaac Romero, leaving him unmarked in the penalty area. Romero seized the opportunity, calmly placing the ball past Thibaut Courtois to pull a goal back for Sevilla.
Tchouaméni, usually a defensive midfielder, had been filling in at center-back due to injuries within the squad. While he had shown some promise in this unfamiliar role, his lack of experience at the position was exposed here.
The error underscored the difference between a natural center-back and a midfielder playing out of position. As noted by commentator Omar Da Fonseca on beIN Sports, a seasoned defender would have recognized the danger and ensured proper marking.
While Tchouaméni is usually excellent in midfield, the specific demands of central defense—such as quick reactions and spatial awareness—are different skills that take time to master. This incident provides valuable insight into the complexities of playing in a defensive role and emphasizes the importance of concentration throughout the match.
Despite the mistake, Tchouaméni has shown great potential since joining Real Madrid. His physicality, tackling, and passing range make him a valuable player. However, this error highlights the need for continued development, especially when playing in a position outside his natural role.
Though the goal didn’t affect the outcome, as Real Madrid won comfortably, it served as a reminder of the importance of defensive discipline. Ancelotti will likely use this as a teaching moment to emphasize focus and defensive responsibility, even when in a commanding lead.
This incident has sparked debate over Tchouaméni’s best position, with many noting that while he has filled in well at center-back, his strengths are best suited to midfield.
The mistake should not overshadow his overall contribution, as he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. This moment is just part of his learning process as a young player adapting to a new role and environment.
It’s clear that Tchouaméni’s future at Real Madrid remains bright. He will undoubtedly learn from this experience and continue to grow.
As attention now shifts to upcoming matches, Tchouaméni has the chance to demonstrate his resilience and bounce back from this minor setback.
Despite the late goal from Sevilla, the match was ultimately a successful one for Real Madrid. However, the incident involving Tchouaméni serves as a reminder that even dominant teams can make mistakes.
