Mbappé Equals Ronaldo Record as Real Madrid Beat Sevilla
Kylian Mbappé wrote another chapter in Real Madrid history on Saturday night, scoring late to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar-year goal record in a 2–0 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The France forward looked set to miss out on the landmark until he calmly converted a penalty four minutes from time, sealing the win in Madrid’s final fixture of the year and bringing him level with Ronaldo’s long-standing mark.
The earlier breakthrough came through Jude Bellingham, who powered home a header in the 38th minute after sustained Madrid pressure. Sevilla’s task became even tougher in the final stages when defender Marcão was sent off following a second booking for a reckless challenge.
The moment carried extra significance for Mbappé, who reached the milestone on his 27th birthday and in his first season at the club after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. His goal tally now stands at 29 for the season in all competitions, level with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as the most prolific scorer among Europe’s top five leagues.
In LaLiga alone, Mbappé leads the scoring charts with 18 goals, underlining his immediate impact despite Madrid’s uneven campaign. The result keeps Los Blancos within touching distance of the title race, sitting one point behind leaders Barcelona ahead of their match against Villarreal.
The Bernabéu atmosphere was tense but expectant, with Madrid dominating possession from the opening minutes. Mbappé and Rodrygo stretched Sevilla’s back line early on, while Bellingham’s late runs into the box caused constant problems.
Sevilla threatened sporadically on the counter, forcing Madrid to stay alert, but clear chances were limited. The visitors’ resistance eventually weakened as Madrid increased the tempo, particularly down the flanks.
The decisive moment arrived late when Rodrygo was brought down in the area by Juanlu, leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot. Mbappé stepped up and dispatched the penalty with authority, removing any remaining doubt.
The second half had seen Madrid miss opportunities to kill the game earlier, with Sevilla briefly sensing a way back despite being reduced to ten men. Tactical adjustments slowed the rhythm, but Madrid’s control never fully slipped.
Mbappé’s late strike ended any suspense and capped a night that blended individual achievement with collective relief. While questions remain over Madrid’s overall performances, the result ensures they close the year firmly in the title hunt, with Mbappé continuing to shape the narrative of their season.