Real Madrid emphatically returned to winning ways with a resounding 4-2 victory against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu, a performance highlighted by Kylian Mbappe’s stunning opening goal and a dominant first-half display. This vital win propelled Los Blancos to second place in the La Liga standings, setting the stage for a promising resumption of league play after the upcoming two-week break. The match showcased the attacking prowess of the Madrid side, with their first three goals being examples of individual brilliance and intricate teamwork, emphasizing their resurgence after a period of inconsistent form. Sevilla, despite showing moments of resilience and finding the back of the net twice, ultimately couldn’t match the intensity and firepower of the home side. The occasion was also marked by the poignant farewell appearance of Sevilla legend Jesus Navas, who received a heartfelt ovation from both sets of fans as he stepped onto the pitch for the final time in his illustrious career.
Mbappe’s 10th La Liga goal of the season was a testament to his exceptional talent. The French forward unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner, leaving Sevilla goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez rooted to the spot. This early breakthrough set the tone for Madrid’s dominant first-half performance, injecting confidence into their attack and unnerving the Sevilla defense. Just ten minutes later, Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead with an equally impressive long-range shot, further solidifying their control over the game. The midfield maestro’s powerful strike echoed Mbappe’s earlier effort, underscoring the team’s offensive capabilities on the night. These two early goals established a comfortable cushion for Real Madrid, allowing them to dictate the pace of the game and exert their dominance in midfield.
Rodrygo continued his impressive form by adding a third goal for Real Madrid in the 34th minute. The Brazilian winger capped off a flowing team move with a clinical finish, marking his third goal in as many games. This goal exemplified Madrid’s fluid attacking play, with intricate passing and movement culminating in a well-deserved finish. It showcased the team’s ability to combine individual skill with cohesive teamwork, creating a potent attacking force capable of dismantling even the most resolute defenses. Sevilla, though trailing by three goals, managed to claw one back just before half-time through Isaac Romero, providing a glimmer of hope for a second-half comeback. Romero’s header from Juanlu Sanchez’s cross momentarily disrupted Madrid’s momentum and injected some much-needed belief into the Sevilla ranks.
Any hopes of a Sevilla resurgence were quickly extinguished shortly after the restart when Brahim Diaz increased Real Madrid’s lead to 4-1. A well-crafted team move, orchestrated by Mbappe, resulted in Diaz receiving the ball in a prime scoring position, and he made no mistake in slotting it past Alvaro Fernandez. This goal effectively put the game beyond Sevilla’s reach, re-establishing Madrid’s dominance and highlighting Mbappe’s playmaking abilities alongside his goalscoring prowess. The fourth goal showcased the depth of Madrid’s attacking talent, with different players contributing to the scoreline and ensuring a comfortable victory. The atmosphere within the Santiago Bernabeu was further enhanced in the 65th minute when Jesus Navas made his final appearance in professional football. The 39-year-old Sevilla legend received a standing ovation from the 75,000-strong crowd as he entered the field and was handed the captain’s armband, a fitting tribute to his long and distinguished career.
Sevilla, despite the lopsided scoreline, continued to battle and managed to grab a late consolation goal through Dodi Lukebakio, who finished off a precise through-ball from Peque Fernandez. This goal, while inconsequential to the outcome of the match, demonstrated Sevilla’s fighting spirit and their refusal to give up even in the face of a heavy defeat. Lukebakio’s goal provided a small measure of solace for the travelling Sevilla fans and hinted at the team’s potential for future improvement. The match concluded with a 4-2 victory for Real Madrid, a result that solidified their position in the La Liga table and provided a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming break.
Following this encounter, La Liga will take a two-week hiatus. Real Madrid’s next fixture will be against Valencia on Friday, January 3, 2025, providing them with an opportunity to build on their impressive victory against Sevilla and maintain their upward trajectory in the league. Sevilla, meanwhile, will shift their focus to the Copa del Rey, facing Almeria on Saturday, January 4. This match will offer Sevilla a chance to regroup and refocus after their disappointing league defeat, providing an opportunity to progress in a different competition and build momentum for the remainder of the season. The break will allow both teams to assess their performance, address any weaknesses and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective upcoming fixtures.
