Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé put on a spectacular show during his team's convincing 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, marking what many are calling the end of his adjustment period since transferring from Paris Saint-Germain. The game, held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, catapulted Real Madrid to second place in La Liga, closely trailing rivals Atletico Madrid, who are just one point clear at the top of the table following their own win against Barcelona.
Mbappé was instrumental during the match, scoring his 14th goal across all competitions this season. Coach Carlo Ancelotti had previously asserted, "His adaptation period was over," and the French forward certainly proved him correct with his performance, which displayed both individual brilliance and team synergy. Mbappé also assisted Brahim Diaz for another score, showcasing his growing rapport with teammates.
After recovering from a brief thigh injury, Mbappé expressed his relief at finding form again, especially after dealing with the frustration of missing penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao earlier this season. "I think 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," he shared on Real Madrid TV.
The match began with Mbappé breaking the deadlock just ten minutes in. The sequence unfolded with the ball starting from the back and moving quickly up the left wing to Rodrygo, who found Mbappé waiting at the edge of the box. The Frenchman took control, set himself up, and unleashed a powerful strike past Sevilla's goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez. His opening goal set the tone for the match and rejuvenated the team.
Fede Valverde added to the scoreline with a stunning long-range effort shortly after, sending the ball soaring past Fernandez and solidifying Madrid's dominance. With 34 minutes on the clock, it was Rodrygo again who found the net, capitalizing on Lucas Vazquez's cross to extend the lead to three goals. Yet, Sevilla, led by veteran player Jesus Navas, managed to respond with goals of their own, one from Isaac Romero and another from Dodi Lukebakio, though they were unable to dampen Real Madrid's momentum.
Upon his performance, Ancelotti praised Mbappé, saying, "I think [he] has been self-critical; he's come out of a situation could have been complicated for him." The boost of confidence from the coaching staff and effective integration with his teammates have made apparent differences, as Mbappé recognized, stating, "We can see on the pitch I click Better with my teammates now we're all playing Better."
The game was not just significant for its result; it marked the farewell of Sevilla's long-serving defender Jesus Navas, who played his 705th and final match for the club. Navas, who has achieved tremendous success, including World Cup and Euro Championship victories with Spain, received heartfelt tributes from fans and players alike during the match. Reflecting on his storied career, he acknowledged, "Today was a spectacle, I haven't seen anything like this in my life at an away ground, it was crazy," hinting at the emotions he experienced during his final outing.
The win against Sevilla closes out the year on a high note for Real Madrid, who finished 2023 with solid accomplishments, including triumphs domestically and internationally. Ancelotti noted the overall improvement, stating, "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." The momentum gained from this match will serve Real Madrid well as they look to build on their successes through the second half of the season.
With the integration of Mbappé solidified and the team's collective performance on the rise, supporters are eager to see how the final stretch of the season will play out, particularly as they chase their city rivals for league supremacy. The signs point to a bright future for Mbappé at Real Madrid, one where he might continue to lead and shine on the pitch.
