Real Madrid have opened up a four point gap at the top of the table after they beat fourth placed Sevilla 2-1 in a match postponed from December due to Madrid’s participation in the Club World Cup. James headed the opener in the twelfth minute from Marcelo’s cross, but both he and Ramos had to leave the pitch early due to injuries, and visiting keeper Beto was also stretchered off and taken to hospital after clashing with Benzema. Just a minute after Sergio Rico came on as Beto’s replacement, substitute Jesé drove home the second, and Benzema drilled a shot just wide of the post before the break. However Sevilla had their chances as well, Casillas having to save from Vitolo in the opening moments and Iborra firing a shot against the post a few minutes later. Rico did well to keep out Isco after the restart and Iborra missed a sitter at the other end, and with ten minutes to go Iago Aspas turned a Vitolo cross past Casillas to set up a nail biting finale. A vital win for Ancelotti’s side but at a cost, and although Ronaldo will be back from suspension for Saturday’s derby at Atlético, Ramos and James join Pepe and Modric on the injury list, and Marcelo will also be banned for that game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. (04.02.15)