Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead against Sevilla as they seek to put pressure on Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.

Madrid went into Saturday’s clash four points behind their arch rivals at the top of the table and looking to avoid a third straight home defeat.

Losses at the Santiago Bernabeu to Celta Vigo and Manchester City had put significant pressure on Xabi Alonso, which was eased somewhat by a pair of subsequent away victories.

Defeat to Sevilla would place substantially more scrutiny on Alonso, and Madrid were underwhelming for much of the first half, though Fran Garcia and Kylian Mbappe each went close.

Yet Bellingham eased any nerves around the Bernabeu in the 38th minute when he rose to meet Rodrigo’s free-kick and direct a brilliant header into the far corner.

The goal was Bellingham’s fourth in LaLiga this season.