Luka Modric rolled back the years with a sublime late winner against Sevilla as Real Madrid moved eight points clear at the top of La Liga.
With England midfielder Jude Bellingham absent for Real for a third consecutive game, the contest looked to be heading towards a goalless draw.
However, Croatia midfielder Modric, 38, curled in seven minutes after his introduction as a substitute.
Lucas Vazquez had earlier had a goal disallowed for the hosts.
The Real full-back’s effort was chalked off after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review concluded that home defender Nacho had fouled forward Youssef En-Nesyri in the build-up.
Federico Valverde also went close for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, hitting the post early in the second half, although in the main a Sevilla defence that was well marshalled by former Real great Sergio Ramos, stood firm.
Second-placed Barcelona are on 57 points, with Girona a point further back in third, who play their game in hand on the top two against Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
