Kylian Mbappé returned to form, scoring as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-2 on Saturday, climbing to second place in La Liga above rivals Barcelona.
After Atlético Madrid beat Barcelona to claim the top spot at Christmas, Carlo Ancelotti’s side took advantage with a comfortable win, leaving them just one point behind the leaders.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, proved his worth with a strong performance and his 14th goal of the season.
“I know I’ve got much more in my legs than I’m showing,” Mbappé said. “In the last games, I’ve played better. The Bilbao game was a turning point—I realized I have to give everything for this shirt.”
Fede Valverde netted a stunning long-range effort, while Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Díaz also found the back of the net, with Díaz’s goal assisted by a clever Mbappé pass. Sevilla’s Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukébakio managed to score, but the visitors were thoroughly outplayed.
Farewell to Jesús Navas
The match marked the final appearance of veteran defender Jesús Navas for Sevilla. Coming on after the hour mark, Navas was applauded by the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Both teams honored the retiring Spanish great, a World Cup winner and two-time European champion, with a guard of honor.
“Today was unbelievable—I haven’t seen anything like this at an away ground,” an emotional Navas said. “I was thinking of all the moments I’ve lived through, the joys I’ve brought to Sevilla and my national team.”
Navas, 39, leaves behind a legacy of 705 appearances for Sevilla, winning four Europa League titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.
Reference(s):
Mbappe back from 'bottom' as Real down Sevilla, Navas bids farewell
cgtn.com
