Mbappe equals Ronaldo's feat as Real Madrid defeats Sevilla

Kylian Mbappe equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for goals scored in a single calendar year, while Jude Bellingham netted too, helping Real Madrid secure a 2-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday.

The French forward matched Ronaldo's 2013 total of 59 goals by converting a late penalty kick, following Bellingham's opening header in the first half that put Madrid in the lead.

This result enabled the runners-up, Los Blancos, to reduce their deficit to league leaders Barcelona to just one point ahead of the Catalan side's trip to Villarreal on Sunday.

"Achieving what Cristiano, my idol and the greatest player in Real Madrid's history as well as a global legend, accomplished is a true privilege," Mbappe commented, marking his 27th birthday on the same day.

Securing their third straight victory across various competitions after only two successes in the prior eight matches, the win slightly alleviates the strain on manager Xabi Alonso, despite the display remaining somewhat lacklustre.

"We now have a period to review and assess our current standing," Alonso stated to the media before the winter pause.

"Our aim is to improve; we are tough on ourselves, we claimed the three points, and we will utilise this break to launch the new year on a stronger note."

Sevilla, who previously routed title holders Barcelona 4-1 back in October, began assertively, with experienced Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez playing a key role.

At the opposite end, Odysseas Vlachodimos produced an excellent stop to deny Fran Garcia, and gradually, as time passed, Madrid gained better control.

Bellingham nodded the home team ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu from a threatening free-kick delivered by Rodrygo Goes.

The Brazilian attacker received a yellow card for simulation before halftime after falling in the penalty area with minimal contact.

Prior to the interval, Sanchez struck the ball onto the top of Thibaut Courtois's goal with a spectacular overhead kick.

Sevilla's head coach Matias Almeyda received a red card at halftime for protesting, yet his squad persisted in pursuing a leveller.

Courtois repelled Isaac Romero on two occasions shortly after the restart, as Mbappe ramped up his efforts to reach Ronaldo's milestone.

Mbappe directed a header onto the bar and curled a shot just past the post, with Vlachodimos blocking yet another attempt from the striker.

After 67 minutes, Sevilla's Marcao awkwardly challenged Bellingham and earned a second booking, resulting in his dismissal and further complicating matters for his team against Alonso's outfit.

Madrid came close to doubling their advantage when Mbappe set up Rodrygo, whose lofted shot was brilliantly deflected onto the crossbar by Vlachodimos.

Mbappe's 59th goal

In the end, Mbappe claimed the strike he sought from 12 yards, following Juanlu's awkward challenge on Rodrygo.

The attacker deceived Vlachodimos completely while slotting in his 59th goal of the year, equalling Ronaldo's benchmark.

Mbappe replicated Ronaldo's signature celebration, explaining it as a tribute to the Portuguese icon, Real Madrid's record scorer.

"I aimed to pay him respect since he has always treated me well," Mbappe noted.

"He inspired me from childhood; we share a solid bond, and he is a friend these days."

Another spot-kick was granted to Madrid after Bellingham fell in the area, but VAR intervention overturned it, confirming Sevilla's Oso had touched the ball first.

The official then awarded yet another penalty when Sow tripped Rodrygo near the box's edge, though the foul occurred just outside, leading to its cancellation.

Mbappe curled the resulting free-kick over the near upright while striving unsuccessfully to surpass Ronaldo's figure, leaving that for another year in 2026.

"Notching 59 goals is no simple task; he possesses skill and ability, it is tough to contain him even in practice," remarked Courtois, urging the squad to elevate their game in the coming year.

"We hope 2026 brings silverware, though that requires us to raise our standards," he continued.

In other action, Celta Vigo climbed to seventh despite a goalless stalemate away to bottom-tier Real Oviedo, Levante drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad, and Osasuna routed Alaves 3-0 to reach 12th position.