MADRID — Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable scoring run by netting a stunning goal in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla in the Spanish league on Sunday. This performance capped off the year positively for Mbappé, who reflected on a difficult period earlier in December when he described his condition as having reached “rock bottom.”
Just ten minutes into the match, Mbappé unleashed a right-footed shot that soared into the upper corner, marking his fourth goal in four outings with Madrid across various competitions. This latest effort also brought his tally to six goals in his last eight appearances for the club.
The French forward faced challenges during his initial phase at the club, recalling a particularly low moment when he missed a penalty during a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on December 4. “I know I have a lot more to give,” stated Mbappé after the match. He emphasized the positives he derived from the Bilbao game, which he described as hitting rock bottom. He recognized the need to fully commit to the team, stating, “I have to give my all for this jersey and play with personality.”
Mbappé feels that he is now past the adjustment period with the team. “I think we now know each other better,” he noted. “I’ve joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says. I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the field. The team is playing much better.”
The victory allowed Real Madrid to finish the year just one point behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid secured a surprising 2-1 win over Barcelona on Saturday, thanks to a last-minute goal from Alexander Sorloth. Barcelona now sits in third place, trailing Madrid by two points and having played one more match.
Federico Valverde and Rodrygo both contributed goals for Madrid before Sevilla’s Isaac Romero managed a response. Brahim Díaz then further extended the scoreline before Dodi Lukebakio scored Sevilla’s second in the 85th minute at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the performance, saying, “It was a well-played game, with many scoring situations, a good end to the year. That was what we wanted, to be near the top and get some good rest for 2025.”
Real Madrid’s next challenge will be against Valencia on January 3, a match that had been postponed due to the tragic floods in Valencia that occurred in October. Sevilla, currently positioned 14th, had recently achieved two consecutive wins across all competitions.
In a touching moment, the match also marked the farewell of Jesús Navas, a legendary figure for Sevilla and Spain, who is retiring at the end of the year. Navas received tributes from both Sevilla and Madrid players, as well as from the fans at Santiago Bernabeu. Before the game, players from both teams formed a guard of honor for Navas as he entered the field, with veteran Madrid midfielder Luka Modric presenting him a signed jersey. The crowd erupted in applause during the heartfelt ceremony.
Navas, who entered the match as a substitute in the second half, expressed his emotions post-match. “What happened today was spectacular,” he shared, visibly moved. “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.”
He was instrumental in Sevilla’s triumph in four Europa League titles as well as Spain’s victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 and 2024 European Championships. Furthermore, he played a role in Manchester City’s Premier League success in 2014. Ancelotti praised Navas, stating, “Navas really deserves it. He is an example for everyone.”
In other league proceedings, struggling Valencia managed to level against Alaves at 2-2, with Dani Gómez securing a goal in stoppage time after Alaves had taken the lead late in the match. This disappointing outcome has led to increased unrest among Valencia supporters regarding team owner Peter Lim’s administration.
In additional matches, Villarreal claimed a commanding 5-2 victory at Leganes, with Thierno Barry netting a hat trick, while Las Palmas earned a narrow 1-0 win against Espanyol, who are positioned 18th. Ninth-place Real Betis was held to a 1-1 draw at home against 12th-place Rayo Vallecano.