Real Madrid edge Sevilla 2-0 as Mbappé equals Cristiano Ronaldo club record
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday evening, bringing an end to their 2025 campaign on a high note and keeping pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona. The win was defined by a composed first-half opener from Jude Bellingham and a late penalty converted by Kylian Mbappé, who marked his 27th birthday by equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record of 59 goals in a single calendar year.
Bellingham opens the scoring
The hosts took an early initiative but Sevilla offered stiff resistance for much of the first half. Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Rodrygo delivered a dangerous free kick that met the head of Jude Bellingham, who guided the ball into the top corner to give Los Blancos a deserved lead before the break.
Bellingham’s performance was instrumental, as he not only scored but also dictated play in midfield, helping Real Madrid manage possession and transition effectively against a well-organised Sevilla side. His ability to link up with his teammates and control the tempo made a significant difference in the first stanza of the match.
Sevilla reduced to ten men
Sevilla’s evening became more difficult shortly after the break, when defender Marcão was shown a red card in the 68th minute after accumulating two yellow cards. The dismissal left the visitors with ten men and exposed them to increased pressure as Real Madrid sought to extend their advantage.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sevilla continued to show resilience, creating moments that tested Real Madrid’s defence. However, the extra man ultimately gave the hosts more control over the game and opened the door for them to secure their second goal.
Mbappé seals the win and equals Ronaldo’s record
The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Rodrygo won a penalty after being fouled in the box. Kylian Mbappé stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, securing a 2-0 advantage for Real Madrid. The goal was a landmark for Mbappé, as it brought his tally for the year to 59 goals, equalling the club record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013.
Mbappé’s achievement is a testament to his consistent goal scoring and his importance to the team throughout the season. The French forward’s milestone was celebrated by supporters at the Bernabéu, with many acknowledging the significance of matching a record held by one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Implications for La Liga standings
With three points secured, Real Madrid moved to within a point of league leaders Barcelona, although they remained second going into the winter break. Barcelona were scheduled to play soon after, which could influence the final positioning at the top of the table.
For Sevilla, the defeat marked their ninth league loss of the season, leaving them in mid-table with limited momentum as the league pauses for its annual break. The club will be looking to regroup and sharpen their performances as they prepare for the second half of the campaign.
Team and tactical observations
Real Madrid’s victory was a blend of tactical caution and clinical execution. While Sevilla’s defensive resilience frustrated Los Blancos in the first half, the red card shifted the balance. Real Madrid’s ability to maintain a composed shape, combined with key contributions from their attacking stars, ultimately made the difference.
Meanwhile, Sevilla’s discipline issues and missed opportunities underlined areas they must address if they hope to climb the league standings in 2026.
Looking ahead
As the La Liga season enters its break, Real Madrid will reflect on a year of mixed results but can take confidence from a strong finish. Heading into the new year, they will aim to build on this victory and chase down the top spot. Sevilla, on the other hand, will target improvements and consistency as they look to challenge for European qualification places next season.
