Real Madrid Defeats Sevilla 4-2 in La Liga Showdown
A mesmerizing display saw Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde score sensational long-range goals as Real Madrid secured a 4-2 victory over Sevilla, intensifying the pressure on La Liga front-runners Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos took command in the opening half with brilliantly orchestrated strikes from Mbappe, Valverde, and Rodrygo. An exquisite team effort culminated in Brahim Diaz’s deft finish post-break, rendering the visitors’ hopes futile.
Sevilla’s inspirational captain, Jesus Navas, made an emotional farewell appearance at the age of 39, bringing a poignant close to his illustrious two-decade association with the club as he retires mid-season due to a chronic hip injury.
The scoring broke out in the 10th minute when Mbappe rattled the net with a stunning 25-yard effort that left Alvaro Fernandez scrambling as he unleashed a dipping shot following a swift counter-attack.
Valverde doubled the lead just ten minutes later, his eye-catching 30-yard strike following a Madrid corner highlighting Madrid’s fluid attacking play.
Rodrygo added Madrid’s third in the 34th minute, clinically finishing a Lucas Vazquez cut-back to underline the dominance of Carlo Ancelotti’s charges. Yet, Sevilla momentarily halted the home side’s momentum when Isaac Romero nodded in Juanlu Sanchez’s cross shortly after.
Mbappe once again showcased his brilliance, turning provider eight minutes into the second half. With a perfectly timed ball, he put Brahim through on goal, who then calmly lifted the finish over the onrushing goalkeeper. The Bernabeu rose in appreciation as Navas entered the pitch, amplifying the emotional crescendo of the match.
Navas, the only player to have won the World Cup, European Championship, and UEFA Nations League, marked a symbolic milestone with his 705th appearance for Sevilla—exactly 20 years since his debut at the Bernabeu.
In a twist of fate, Navas nearly registered an assist immediately after entering; however, Isaac’s low strike cannoned off the post, continuing Sevilla’s struggle to find a way back into the game.
Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio managed to score five minutes from time, beating Thibaut Courtois at the near post, but it was too little, too late.
This victory marks Madrid’s 19th win at home against Sevilla in their last 20 encounters, momentarily placing them ahead of Barcelona in the league table—two points clear of their fierce rivals and just a point shy of Atletico.
Barcelona’s struggle continues as they succumbed to a late goal in a 2-1 defeat against Atletico on Saturday, claiming just two victories from their last eight league fixtures since their emphatic 4-0 triumph over Real Madrid in October.
