Kylian Mbappe equals Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar year record as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona
Real Madrid kept the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona with a commanding 2-0 win over ten man Sevilla. The victory moved Madrid to within one point at the top. It also ensured they ended 2025 on a positive note. The Bernabeu crowd saw a composed if hard fought display.
Sevilla offered resistance for long periods. They threatened on the counter attack. Madrid had to remain patient and disciplined. Key moments eventually decided the contest in Madrid’s favour.
The opening half saw Madrid dominate possession and test Sevilla’s backline several times. Sevilla pressed well and limited space between the lines. Madrid struggled to create clear chances early on. The breakthrough arrived seven minutes before the break.
Rodrygo delivered a dangerous free kick from the right. Jude Bellingham rose highest to meet it. His header glanced into the top corner. It was his fourth league goal of the season.
Sevilla responded after the interval with renewed belief. Isaac Romero twice broke through on the counter. Thibaut Courtois produced two vital saves to preserve the lead. Madrid looked vulnerable during this spell.
The match shifted in the 68th minute. Marcão was shown a second yellow card for a rash foul on Bellingham. Sevilla were reduced to ten men. Madrid regained control soon after.
Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening for long stretches. He failed to register a shot on target in the first half. After the break he hit the crossbar with a header. Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos also denied him from range.
The decisive moment arrived late on. Rodrygo was clumsily fouled inside the area by Juanlu Sanchez. Mbappe stepped up in the 86th minute. He calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The goal was Mbappe’s 59th of the calendar year. It equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record from 2013. Mbappe marked the moment with Ronaldo’s iconic celebration. Madrid then had two more penalty appeals turned down by VAR reviews, one for Jude Bellingham and another for Rodrygo.
Bellingham once again influenced the game at both ends. His goal and driving runs caused constant problems. Rodrygo impressed with his creativity and won the decisive penalty. Courtois was crucial during Sevilla’s best spell.
Mbappe’s persistence was rewarded late on. Despite earlier frustration he delivered when it mattered. Sevilla showed discipline until the red card. Their counter attacking threat faded thereafter.
Real Madrid generated 2.33 expected goals from their 18 chances, hitting the woodwork twice. Sevilla finished with 1.56 xG despite several breaks. Mbappe attempted nine shots in total. Four were on target and one struck the woodwork.
Madrid finished the year just one point behind Barcelona, although the Catalans play later on Sunday. Sevilla remain stuck in mid table and are currently tenth. The hosts enjoyed 53 percent possession. Attendance at the Bernabeu reached 72,062.
Real Madrid return to action on Sunday 4th January. They travel to face Real Betis in La Liga. Sevilla will look to regroup over the break when the host Levante on the same day. Both sides now turn their focus to the new year.
