Kylian Mbappé’s scintillating performance spearheaded Real Madrid’s emphatic 4-2 victory over Sevilla, propelling them to second place in La Liga. The French superstar opened the scoring with a breathtaking strike from outside the box, leaving Sevilla goalkeeper Álvaro Fernández rooted to the spot. This early goal set the tone for a dominant first half display from Los Blancos. Federico Valverde doubled the lead minutes later with another thunderous long-range effort, showcasing the attacking prowess of the Madrid midfield. Rodrygo, in exhilarating form, continued his scoring streak with a well-taken finish, capping off a fluid team move and seemingly putting the game beyond Sevilla’s reach. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Isaac Romero to head home just moments later, offering Sevilla a glimmer of hope before halftime.
The second half saw Real Madrid restore their three-goal cushion, with Mbappé again instrumental in the build-up. His intricate interplay with Lucas Vázquez on the right flank culminated in a perfectly weighted pass for Brahim Díaz to slot home. While Sevilla managed a late consolation goal through Dodi Lukebakio, the result was never in doubt. Real Madrid controlled the tempo and demonstrated their attacking firepower, albeit punctuated by occasional defensive lapses. The victory provided a welcome return to winning ways for Carlo Ancelotti’s side before the upcoming two-week league break.
Beyond the captivating football on display, the match also marked a poignant moment in Spanish football history. Veteran Sevilla winger Jesús Navas made his final appearance in professional football, receiving a heartfelt ovation from the 75,000-strong crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu. The 39-year-old, a Sevilla legend with over 700 appearances for the club, entered the field to a guard of honour, a fitting tribute to a distinguished career spanning two decades. While the result may have favoured Real Madrid, Navas’s farewell provided a touching and memorable moment for football fans across the globe.
Kylian Mbappé’s masterful display earned him the Man of the Match accolade. The Frenchman’s speed, skill, and clinical finishing were on full display, reminding everyone of his world-class talent. While he may have expressed some frustration at not adding to his tally, his performance was a testament to his rediscovered form and his crucial role in Real Madrid’s attacking machinery. The combination of Mbappé, Rodrygo, and the supporting cast of Bellingham and Díaz offered a tantalising glimpse of the team’s potential, even in the absence of the suspended Vinicius Junior.
The individual player ratings reflected the overall performance of both teams. While Mbappé and Vázquez shone for Real Madrid, Courtois and the defensive line received slightly lower scores, perhaps reflecting the two goals conceded. For Sevilla, goalkeeper Fernández earned a respectable rating despite conceding four goals, while several defenders struggled to contain the Real Madrid attack. The ratings highlighted the disparity in attacking quality between the two sides on the day.
The match highlights captured the key moments of the game, from Mbappé’s stunning opener to Valverde’s rocket and Rodrygo’s composed finish. They also showcased Sevilla’s fleeting moments of resistance, including Romero’s header and Lukebakio’s late goal. The highlights underlined the end-to-end nature of the encounter and the individual brilliance that punctuated the game. The footage of Navas’s entrance and the subsequent standing ovation provided a lasting image of a legend’s final bow. The game, while a resounding victory for Real Madrid, also served as a moving tribute to a remarkable career.
