Casemiro struck twice as Real Madrid made it 13 wins in a row against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu and moved provisionally above F.C. Barcelona at the top of La Liga on Saturday (Jan 18).
Real Madrid moved three points clear of champions F.C. Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-earned victory against Sevilla at the Bernabeu.
Brazil midfielder Casemiro scored twice for Zinedine Zidane's side, either side of Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong's exquisite, curled equaliser.
Luka Jovic's clever backheeled pass had allowed Casemiro to break Sevilla's resistance after 57 minutes.
Casemiro then headed in the eventual winner from a Lucas Vazquez cross.
Barca can return to the summit on goal difference when they host Granada on Sunday.
Third placed Atletico Madrid remain eight points behind leaders Real after they were beaten 2-0 by Eibar later on Saturday.
Visitors Sevilla, who remain fourth following the defeat, made a confident start as ex-Real boss Julen Lopetegui's side looked to close to within two points of the top two.
De Jong was denied a first-half opener from a corner after a video assistant referee review showed Nemanja Gudelj had blocked Eder Militao as the Real defender attempted to follow De Jong's run.
Real had to remain patient until Jovic's assist for Casemiro provided the game's first spark of creativity, but Sevilla responded just seven minutes later as De Jong converted brilliantly into the opposite corner from just inside the box.
They were unable to make Real sweat for too long, however, as Casemiro claimed his second and the hosts, crowned Spanish Super Cup champions last weekend, were able to hold on.
