Real consolidate first place with win.
Real Madrid tightened their grip on top spot by beating Alaves 3-0 at home in La Liga on Sunday to provisionally move five points ahead of nearest challengers Barcelona despite coach Zinedine Zidane making a string of changes in defence.
Karim Benzema put Real ahead in the 31st minute while appearing to be offside in the build-up to the goal but Alaves still caused the leaders a few headaches before goals from Isco and Nacho in the 85th and 88th minutes sealed the points.
Sevilla slipped out of the top three after being held to a 0-0 draw at home to struggling Sporting Gijon in the early game.
Real dominated the first half and Benzema’s opener came from a one-two with Dani Carvajal, who put the ball back into the box for the striker to fire home.
However, the European champions were grateful to Alaves’ wastefulness in front of goal after the break as Deyverson and Edgar Mendez passed up huge chances to equalise.
The win wasn’t secure until Isco fired in a second goal from a pass by Cristiano Ronaldo before defender Nacho rounded off the scoring moments later, heading in the rebound after Gareth Bale’s free kick came off the bar.
Real top the standings on 68 points after 28 games. Champions Barcelona, who have 66 from 29 games.
Sevilla find themselves outside the top three for the first time since November after being held goalless by relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon, with the hosts dropping points for the fourth consecutive league game.
Sevilla slide to fourth spot on 58 points, level with Atletico Madrid, who leapfrogged them on goal difference after beating Malaga 2-0 on Saturday.