New Delhi: Kylian Mbappe delivered a commanding performance during Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. He opened the scoring for Madrid with a spectacular goal in the 10th minute. Federico Valverde added to the lead with a stunning strike at the 20-minute mark, and Rodrygo’s goal in the 34th minute gave Madrid a commanding 3-1 advantage at halftime. Sevilla had pulled one back in the first half through Isaac Romero after good work from Juanlu Sanchez.
In the second half, Brahim Diaz scored Madrid’s fourth goal which was assisted by Mbappe, sealing the game for the hosts. Sevilla attempted to fight back, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring in the 85th minute, but they failed to bridge the gap. The win pushed Carlo Ancelotti’s side into second place in La Liga standings, leapfrogging arch-rivals Barcelona, who suffered a defeat against Atletico Madrid earlier in the day.
🤯 How not to celebrate!
🚀 @KMbappe#RealMadridSevillaFC | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/U3wl0eUjFl— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) December 22, 2024
Carlo Ancelotti’s remark and Mbappe’s lowest point
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had declared that Mbappe’s adaptation to the team was complete after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, and the French forward backed his manager’s confidence with a brilliant display. His thunderous strike in the 10th minute opened the scoring and set the tone for Madrid’s dominance, marking his 14th goal across all competitions this season.
🤍👀 Ancelotti: “I said yesterday that Mbappé’s adaptation period is over… and today he has shown that sometimes, I am right”. pic.twitter.com/NDaqxqJ1zw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2024
Mbappe, returning from a brief spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury, showed renewed sharpness. Reflecting on his performance, the forward admitted his form had been below his standards in recent weeks including missing penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao. Later on, he even revealed his rock-bottom point saying, “The Bilbao game was good for me; I hit the bottom. It was a moment to realize I have to give everything for this shirt.”
Naves farewell
The night was particularly bittersweet for the Andalusian side as their veteran defender Jesus Navas made his 705th and final appearance for the club. Both teams and the Bernabeu crowd honored the retiring legend with a guard of honor and a standing ovation.
Goodbye to a LEGEND! 🥹❤️@JNavas 👋. #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/U4bHlOWHxi
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 22, 2024
The 39-year-old icon and a World Cup winner in 2010, ended his illustrious career as Sevilla’s most-capped player. The club stalwart also claimed four Europa League titles and two Copa del Rey trophies during his time with the club. While the result was not the farewell Navas would have hoped for but his contributions to Spanish and European football were recognized with immense respect.
What next?
Real Madrid’s win capped off a remarkable year in which they reaffirmed their status as Spanish and European champions. With Vinicius Junior suspended, the team relied on Mbappe to lead the charge and he delivered in style.
Now sitting just one point behind league leaders Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti’s side looks poised for another strong title challenge as they head into the new year.
For Sevilla, the defeat underscored their struggles this season but also served as a poignant reminder of Jesús Navas’s legacy as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. Real Madrid will next be in action on January 4 against Valencia while Sevilla will face Almeria in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.
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