Real Madrid continued their pursuit of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid with a commanding 4-2 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. The match saw Kylian Mbappe shine with one goal and one assist, showcasing his regained form.
Madrid took the lead early, with Mbappe scoring just 10 minutes in with a stunning 25-yard strike. Federico Valverde followed suit shortly after, netting another long-range effort from 30 yards to double the lead. Rodrygo extended the advantage to 3-0 with his neat finish from Lucas Vazquez's cut-back, leaving Sevilla on the back foot.
Although Sevilla managed to pull one back through Isaac Romero, who headed home from Juanlu Sanchez's cross, Real Madrid quickly restored their three-goal cushion when Brahim Diaz capitalized on Mbappe's assist just after halftime. Dodi Lukebakio scored Sevilla's second late on, but it was not enough to dampen Real Madrid's triumphant return to form.
A significant subplot to the match was the farewell of Sevilla captain Jesus Navas, who played his final professional game at the age of 39. The veteran defender received applause and gratitude from both sets of fans as he departed the pitch after 705 appearances for the club.
The victory marked Madrid's 19th triumph in their last 20 home outings against Sevilla, solidifying their position just behind Atletico Madrid, who currently lead the league. Carlo Ancelotti's side are also two points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona, who have been struggling recently.
During the match, which attracted over 75,000 fans, there was no shortage of excitement, with Madrid demonstrating their attacking prowess. Mbappe's performances have been under scrutiny following some recent struggles, including missed penalties, but he proved instrumental on this occasion.
Real Madrid's performance was characterized by fluid attacking play, rapid transitions, and timely finishing, attributes Ancelotti had emphasized were necessary for their resurgence. The team seems to have adjusted well to the absence of Vinicius Junior, who is currently serving a suspension.
This latest victory signals not only Real Madrid's title ambitions but also marks something significant for their fans, as they prepare for the upcoming break with renewed confidence. Mbappe, who expressed his delight at his improved connection with teammates post-match, noted, "We understand each other much more now… we’re all playing at a higher level now."
The match concluded not only with the fans celebrating the victory but also paying tribute to Navas, who has had an illustrious career filled with numerous accolades, including winning the World Cup, two European Championships, and multiple Europa League titles with Sevilla. His legacy within European football is well-established, and he leaves behind big shoes to fill.
Looking forward, Real Madrid's next clash is set against Valencia, as they aim to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid and continue their successful run through the season.
Overall, this 4-2 victory was about more than just the three points – it was also about celebrating Navas's remarkable career and showcasing Madrid's resilience and talent as they head back to the training ground with renewed energy for the challenges to come.
