Kylian Mbappé capped off a challenging start to his Real Madrid career with a stunning goal in a 4-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga, finishing the year on a high note. The French forward’s early strike, a right-footed shot into the top corner in the 10th minute, was his fourth consecutive goal for Madrid, marking a major improvement after what he described as a “rock bottom” moment earlier in December.
The goal was Mbappé’s sixth in his last eight matches for the club, signaling a turning point in his form after a difficult beginning to his time at the Santiago Bernabéu. He admitted that his lowest point came following a missed penalty in Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao on December-4.
“I know I have a lot more to give,” Mbappé said after the match. “The last few games I’ve played better. I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game, when I hit rock bottom. That was the moment when I realized I have to give my all for this jersey and play with personality.”
Mbappé expressed that he now feels comfortable with the team and believes the settling-in period is finally behind him. “I think we know each other better now,” he added. “I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the field. The team is playing much better.”
The match saw a strong performance from Madrid, with Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz also finding back of net. The win allowed Madrid to finish the year just one point behind league leaders Atlético Madrid. Who secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona with a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Alexander Sorloth. Barcelona, in third place, trails Madrid by two points but has played one more match.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Rodrygo’s goal in the 34th. Sevilla responded with a goal from Isaac Romero in the 35th, but Díaz extended Madrid’s lead in the 53rd. Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio scored again in the 85th, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s performance: “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.”
Madrid’s next match will be against Valencia on January 3, a fixture that was postponed due to deadly floods in Valencia in October.
Navas Bids Farewell
In a touching moment, Sevilla and Spain legend Jesús Navas played his final game at the Santiago Bernabéu, officially retiring at the end of the year. Both Sevilla and Madrid players honored Navas with a guard of honor as he entered the field, and Madrid’s Luka Modric presented him with a signed jersey. The 39-year-old was visibly emotional during the tribute and as he reflected on his illustrious career.
Navas, who helped Sevilla win four Europa League titles and was part of Spain’s victorious 2010 World Cup and 2012 and 2024 European Championship teams, played his final minutes for Sevilla as a substitute midway through the second half. He was also part of Manchester City’s 2014 Premier League-winning team.
“What happened today was spectacular,” Navas said through tears. “I had never seen anything like it in my life on a rival field. I was looking at the ground recalling all the moments I’ve been through and the joy I’ve been able to give to Sevilla and the national team.”
Ancelotti praised Navas, saying, “Navas really deserves it. He’s an example for everyone.”
Late Drama for Valencia
In other La Liga action, second-to-last Valencia salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Alavés at home. Dani Gómez scored a last-gasp equalizer in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, securing a point after Joan Jordán had put the visitors ahead in the 88th minute. The result added to the growing discontent among Valencia fans with the management of team owner Peter Lim.
Other Results
In further action, Villarreal, in fifth place, claimed a 5-2 victory over Leganés, with Thierno Barry scoring a hat trick. Gerard Moreno and Pau Cabanes also netted for Villarreal. Las Palmas triumphed 1-0 over 18th-place Espanyol, while Real Betis was held to 1-1 draw at home against Rayo Vallecano.
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