Real Madrid closed out 2024 with a commanding 4-2 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on December 22, 2024, marking Matchday 18 of the La Liga season. The win solidified a resurgence for Los Blancos, following their recent triumph at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca.
Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar, was pivotal during the match, opening the scoring with a stunning long-range shot just ten minutes in. It was his fourth consecutive game scoring, resurrecting his earlier struggles to form after enduring what he described as 'rock bottom.' Following the match, he candidly reflected on his early struggles at the club, saying, "I can do much more. I know I have a lot more in me, and in recent matches, I’ve been playingbetter. The game in Bilbao was good for me—I hit rock bottom, misseda penalty, andthat was the moment I realized I have to give my all for this jersey and play with personality."
Mbappé also assisted Brahim Díaz for the fourth goal, capping off what could be seen as the culmination of his adaptation process at Real Madrid. The forward had faced challenges fitting seamlessly within the team dynamics early on, often feeling out of place. He noted, "We understand each otherbetter now; my arrival at the team changed many things. The manager said my adaptation has ended. I feelbetter; you can see on the fieldthat I am more integrated with my teammates." Now, with 14 goals across all competitions, Mbappé is starting to justify his status as one of the world’s best players.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid's head coach, echoed Mbappé’s sentiments about adaptation and team resilience. Following the match, he reflected on what he perceived to be the team's "rock bottom" experience after their disappointing defeat to AC Milan earlier this season. "After the defeat against Milan, it’s been two tough months, very demanding for the squad and for the matches. We’ve had very challenging games, but we talked and sorted things out. We’ve bounced back and are finishing the year well, with hope for 2025," Ancelotti explained.
Analysts note the importance of self-criticism and willingness to adapt, both factors highlighted by Ancelotti concerning Mbappé's recent turnaround. "He showed agood version and canstill improve. He needed this adaptation period, like everyone else," said Ancelotti.
The victory against Sevilla resulted from the impressive offensive display from the team, which has scored at least three goals in its last five matches. Real Madrid now sits second in La Liga with 40 points, just one point behind the leaders Atletico Madrid. Despite the earlier struggles, it seems the team has found its stride, elevated by Mbappé’s resurgence as they head toward the new year.
Fans who witnessed the match could feel the renewed energy transpiring on the field, especially after Mbappé's stunning goal. It marked not only his personal success but also encapsulated the team's momentum heading toward 2025. The victory indicates potential for continued success as they pursue both the La Liga title and their Champions League ambitions.
Looking at the bigger picture, Real Madrid fans can harbor optimism for the future as the team concludes the year stronger than they began it. Following recent struggles, both Mbappé and Ancelotti appear aligned on the viewpoint of progress made on and off the field. Neither will rest on their laurels, as aspirations for the next matches rally fervor for continuing the winning streak. While there remains much to overcome, signs suggest Real Madrid is beginning to restore its former self.
