Real Madrid closed out the year with a vital 2-0 victory over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, keeping the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona. In a match crucial for the job security of manager Xabi Alonso following a string of lackluster results, Madrid relied on goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe to secure the three points.
The result provides a much-needed morale boost for Alonso’s side as the league heads into the winter break, with their next fixture scheduled against Real Betis on January 4.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Jude Bellingham rose above the defense to power a header into the top corner from a Rodrygo free-kick. Despite the lead, Madrid faced pressure, relying on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make crucial saves against Isaac Romero and Alexis Sanchez, who repeatedly poked holes in the home defense.
The game’s dynamic shifted decisively in the second half when Sevilla defender Marcao was issued a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Bellingham, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the final 20 minutes. Tensions flared further as Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda was expelled by the referee during the halftime break.
The spotlight, however, belonged to Kylian Mbappe, who celebrated his 27th birthday by equaling a historic club record. After struggling to find the net earlier in the match; including hitting the crossbar with a header, Mbappe converted an 86th-minute penalty after Juanlu Sanchez fouled Rodrygo in the box.
The goal was Mbappe’s 59th in the calendar year for Real Madrid, drawing him level with the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013. To mark the occasion, the Frenchman performed Ronaldo’s signature 'Siu' celebration, acknowledging his childhood idol.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Mbappe expressed his pride in reaching the milestone on his birthday. "To do like Cristiano did, my idol, the best player in Real Madrid's history and a world great, it's an honour for me," Mbappe said.
He explained that the tribute celebration was a premeditated nod to the Portuguese legend. "I wanted to give him a wink because he's always been kind to me, he always spoke to me well about Madrid... He was my idol as a kid, I have a very good relationship with him - he's a friend now."
While the record took center stage, the victory was essential for stabilizing the atmosphere at the club. Spanish media had speculated that Alonso’s position was under threat, but this win ensures the president, Florentino Pérez, enters the two-week break with a victory in hand.
Mbappe noted the importance of the team result over personal glory, stating, "It was the objective to finish the year with a positive result and the record is incredible." Madrid now awaits the result of Barcelona's Sunday fixture to see if the gap at the top remains at a single point.