Kylian Mbappe played a key role in Real Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, propelling them to second place in La Liga, ahead of rivals Barcelona. The win follows Atletico Madrid’s victory over Barcelona, securing them the top spot going into the Christmas break. Real Madrid now trail their city rivals by a single point.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously stated that Mbappe’s adjustment period following his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain was complete. The French forward validated his coach’s assessment with a strong performance, netting his 14th goal of the season across all competitions.
Fede Valverde also scored a remarkable long-range goal. Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz contributed to the scoreline for the home team, with Diaz’s goal assisted by a clever pass from Mbappe.
Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio scored for Sevilla, though they were comprehensively outplayed in what was veteran defender Jesus Navas’s final game for the club.
“I think that we know each other better, my arrival changed a lot of things, and now, as the coach said, the adaptation is over and I feel very good in the team,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV.
Mbappe, returning from a brief absence due to a thigh injury, also scored for Real Madrid in mid-week in their Intercontinental Cup victory.
This was a welcome return to form for the forward who missed two penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao and faced criticism for his performance.
“We can see on the pitch that I click better with my teammates and now we’re all playing better.”
Mbappe’s goal and overall performance against Sevilla marked a positive shift after a challenging period.
“I know I’ve got much more in my legs than I’m showing, but in the last games I’ve played better,” Mbappe added.
He acknowledged the Athletic Bilbao game as a turning point.
“The Bilbao game was good for me, I hit the bottom, I missed a penalty and it was a moment to realise that I have to give everything for this shirt and show my personality.”
With Vinicius Jr. suspended, Mbappe took the lead, scoring the opening goal in the 10th minute. The play originated from the back, progressing to Rodrygo on the left wing, who then passed to Mbappe at the edge of the penalty area. Mbappe controlled the ball, positioned himself, and fired a powerful shot past Alvaro Fernandez.
“I think (Mbappe) has been self-critical, he’s come out of a situation that could have been complicated for him,” Ancelotti told reporters.
Ancelotti confirmed his earlier statement regarding Mbappe’s integration into the team.
“Yesterday I said his adaptation period was over, today he showed it, sometimes I’m not wrong.”
Ancelotti also commented on the team’s improved performance after a challenging start to the season.
“We’re running a bit more, playing with more intensity, we’re doing things well again, as we have to do — they’ve been complicated months,” Ancelotti added.
Sevilla substituted Navas past the hour mark, and he received applause from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. This marked his 705th and final appearance for the club, a record unmatched by any other player.
Both Real Madrid and Sevilla players formed a guard of honour before the game for the retiring Spanish veteran, a World Cup winner in 2010 and a two-time European Championship winner.
Navas, 39, achieved four Europa League titles and two Copa del Rey trophies with Sevilla. However, his final appearance ended in a loss for the Andalusian side.
“Today was a spectacle, I haven’t seen anything like that in my life at an away ground, it was crazy,” an emotional Navas told reporters.
Navas reflected on his extensive career with Sevilla and the national team.
“I was thinking of all the moments that I’ve lived through, the joys I’ve given to my Sevilla and my national team.”