Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive scoring run with a stunning goal in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday, wrapping up the year on a high note after a challenging start to his time at the club.
Mbappé opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match, firing a right-footed shot into the upper corner. This marked his fourth goal in as many games for Madrid and his sixth in the last eight matches. The French forward had previously faced difficulties, citing his missed penalty during a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on December 4 as a low point in his adaptation to the team.
“I know I have a lot more to give,” Mbappé reflected after the match. “The last few games I’ve played better, and I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game, when I hit rock bottom.” He emphasized the importance of giving his all for the team and playing with confidence.
Feeling that his adjustment period is over, Mbappé stated, “I think we now know each other better. I’ve joined the team, and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over. I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the field.”
In addition to Mbappé’s goal, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz also found the net for Madrid, allowing the team to finish the year just one point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. Atletico secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Saturday, highlighted by a stoppage-time goal from Alexander Sorloth.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Rodrygo in the 34th. Sevilla responded with a goal from Isaac Romero just a minute later, but Díaz extended Madrid’s lead in the 53rd. Dodi Lukebakio scored Sevilla’s second goal in the 85th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
“It was a well-played game, with many scoring situations, a good end to the year,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “That was what we wanted, to be near the top and get some good rest for 2025.” Madrid will next face Valencia on January 3 in a match postponed due to severe floods in October.
Sevilla, currently in 14th place, had entered the match on a two-game winning streak across competitions.
Navas’ Farewell
The match also marked a poignant farewell for Jesús Navas, Sevilla and Spain legend, who is officially retiring at the end of the year. Both Sevilla and Madrid players, along with fans, honored Navas at the Santiago Bernabéu. Players formed a guard of honor as he entered the field, and Madrid’s Luka Modric presented him with a signed jersey. Navas received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“What happened today was spectacular,” said the emotional 39-year-old after the match. “I had never seen anything like it in my life on a rival field. It was crazy. In those last few minutes, I couldn’t see anything. I was looking at the ground recalling all the moments I’ve gone through and the joy I’ve been able to give to Sevilla and the national team.”
Navas has been instrumental in Sevilla’s success, winning four Europa League titles, and was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup and the 2012 and 2024 European Championship-winning teams. He also contributed to Manchester City’s Premier League title in 2014.
“Navas really deserves it,” Ancelotti remarked. “Navas is an example for everyone.”
Valencia Draws Late
In other La Liga action, struggling Valencia managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Alaves, with Dani Gómez scoring the equalizer in the eighth minute of stoppage time after Alaves had taken the lead through Joan Jordán in the 88th minute. The result prompted further protests from Valencia fans dissatisfied with the management of owner Peter Lim.
Other Results
Fifth-place Villarreal defeated Leganes 5-2, with Thierno Barry netting a hat trick, while Las Palmas earned a 1-0 victory over 18th-place Espanyol. Ninth-place Real Betis was held to a 1-1 draw at home by 12th-place Rayo Vallecano.
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