Mbappé Matches Ronaldo Record as Real Madrid Close Year With Sevilla Win
Kylian Mbappé wrote another chapter in Real Madrid history on Saturday night, scoring late to seal a 2–0 victory over Sevilla and tie Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals by a Madrid player in a calendar year.
The France forward looked set to miss the milestone until the closing minutes, when he calmly converted a penalty to put the result beyond doubt in Madrid’s final match of the year. The goal, scored on his 27th birthday, capped a composed performance and underlined his growing influence in white.
Madrid had earlier taken control through Jude Bellingham, whose powerful header in the 38th minute broke the deadlock after sustained pressure. Sevilla’s task became even harder when defender Marcão was sent off for a second booking with 20 minutes remaining, leaving the visitors to chase the game with ten men.
Mbappé’s latest strike brings him level with Ronaldo’s calendar-year tally and takes his season total to 29 goals in all competitions. He also leads LaLiga’s scoring charts with 18, level with Europe’s most prolific forwards across the top five leagues. For a player in his first season at the club, the numbers carry added weight.
The Santiago Bernabéu provided a fitting backdrop, with Madrid dominating possession early and patiently working Sevilla back toward their own area. Bellingham and Rodrygo were central to the buildup, while Mbappé drifted across the front line, stretching the defense and creating space.
Sevilla did have moments of resistance, forcing Madrid to stay alert, but clear chances were limited. The turning point arrived when Juanlu brought down Rodrygo inside the box, leaving the referee with a straightforward decision.
Mbappé stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, finishing low from the spot to confirm the win. His understated celebration nodded to Ronaldo, a brief gesture before turning back to the task at hand.
The second half had tested Madrid’s patience, with missed opportunities and a lack of clinical finishing keeping the contest alive longer than expected. Sevilla’s red card shifted momentum decisively, allowing Madrid to press higher and control the closing stages.
Late on, the tension finally eased as the penalty hit the net, removing any lingering doubt and allowing the home crowd to acknowledge another landmark moment.
The victory keeps Madrid firmly in the title race, sitting one point behind Barcelona ahead of the leaders’ next fixture. For Mbappé, the goal was another statement season marker, and with the new year approaching, his focus now turns to pushing beyond records and driving Madrid toward silverware.