MADRID (Interstat) — Real Madrid began its La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on defensive pressure that defined the first half. Sevilla’s Marcão received a red card in the 68th minute, compounding the visitors’ troubles. A late own goal by Sevilla defender Raúl Asencio sealed the result in second-half stoppage time.

The match was physical, featuring six yellow cards in addition to the sending-off. The outcome defied a pregame projection that forecast a closer contest, as Real Madrid controlled proceedings to start its season with a win while Sevilla opened with a loss.