Sunday 21 / December / 2025
Madrid,--- Kylian Mbappé etched his name alongside club legend Cristiano Ronaldo on his 27th birthday, netting a late penalty to equal the Portuguese star's record of 59 Real Madrid goals in a calendar year and secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sevilla.
The hosts had to labour for the win, breaking the deadlock seven minutes before halftime. Jude Bellingham rose highest to meet a Rodrygo free-kick, directing a powerful glancing header into the top corner. Sevilla threatened on the counter after the break, but their task grew exponentially harder when defender Marcao received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Bellingham in the 58th minute.
Despite the man advantage, a record-equaling night for Mbappé seemed in doubt. The French forward endured a frustrating evening, seeing a close-range effort saved, curling another shot wide, and heading against the crossbar. Sevilla's Isaac Romero twice forced sharp saves from Thibaut Courtois, keeping the visitors in contention.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute. Rodrygo, a constant menace, was fouled in the area by Juanlu Sánchez. Stepping up on his birthday, Mbappé coolly sent goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos the wrong way from the spot, matching Ronaldo's iconic 2013 tally.
A chance to break the record outright appeared moments later when a second penalty was initially awarded, only for VAR to overturn the decision after a review. The three points keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona, as Xabi Alonso’s side secured a vital, if not entirely fluid, victory.
