Real Madrid star James Rodriguez hit by two-month injury blow

Madrid opened up a four-point gap at the top of La Liga with the win, but it came at a price as Rodriguez - who opened the scoring with a diving header after 12 minutes - and Sergio Ramos both went off injured.

Madrid later confirmed a broken bone for the Colombian, who could be out for around two months.

A statement on the club's website said: "After the tests carried out on James Rodriguez by the Real Madrid medical services at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The player will undergo surgery in the coming hours."

Ramos had been substituted after nine minutes with a hamstring problem, but it is unclear how long the defender may be sidelined.

"Sergio had a hamstring problem," manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the club website. "We cannot evaluate it yet. We must wait a few days."

Rodriguez's replacement in the match, namesake Jesse Rodriguez, had doubled Madrid's lead before Sevilla - who themselves lost goalkeeper Beto to injury - replied late on through Iago Aspas.