adminJames Rodriguez went off with a broken metatarsal as Real Madrid moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with victory over Sevilla at the Bernabeu.The Colombia midfielder will undergo surgery “in the coming hours”, the European champions announced.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side put themselves on course for a fourth successive league victory when James headed home.
His replacement, Jese Rodriguez, swept in a second before the break before Iago Aspas scored a consolation.
James is likely to miss Real Madrid’s last-16 Champions League tie against Schalke on February 18 and March10.
Real have not dropped a point at home in the league since losing to Atletico Madrid in September.
The Madrid rivals meet again this weekend but Real will go into that game without James and Sergio Ramos — who also picked up an injury against Sevilla — although Cristiano Ronaldo will return after serving a two-match ban.
Vitolo threatened to give Sevilla an early lead when he drew a fine save out of Iker Casillas when clean through, before Real opened the scoring with their first real attack.
Marcelo swung in a cross into the middle and James, timing his run to perfection, was there to plant a header into the back of the net.
Vicente Iborra almost levelled when he rounded Casillas only to hit the post, before Real were dealt a blow when James had to be replaced by Jese.
However, Jese gave Real welcome breathing space when Isco worked the ball from midfield into the area where the substitute was on hand to sweep home.
Jese hit the post as Real started to find their rhythm, before fourth-placed Sevilla pulled one back late on when Aspas turned home after good work by Vitolo for his second goal in as many games. — Reuters
Online Reporter