Mbappé’s goal helps hosts overcome Barcelona in LaLiga

Kylian Mbappé scored his fourth goal in four games with a long-range shot to lead Real Madrid to a 4-2 win at home to Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday.

Madrid’s top scorer Mbappé, who also scored the first goal in the 3-0 win over Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, scored into space from a central position outside the penalty area after 10 minutes, launching a fierce shot that beat goalkeeper Álvaro. Fernandez.

The French forward missed his team’s 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano with a thigh injury on December 14, but returned to score a memorable 13th goal in 23 appearances in all competitions in 2024/25.

What a goal from Kylian Mbappé 🤯

The Frenchman shoots from distance and gives Real Madrid the advantage against Sevilla 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/1l9CZwRPLz

– Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 22, 2024

Madrid-Seville

Summer signing Mbappé could have got a second seven minutes later, sending a shot over the bar after a Lucas Vásquez cross.

Federico Valverde made amends with a sensational finish in the 20th minute, taking possession in a similar position to Mbappé’s goal and firing in after a short corner routine.

Rodrygo added a comparatively routine third for Madrid 11 minutes before the break, completing a clever team move involving Jude Bellingham, Vásquez and Brahim Díaz.

Sevilla took the shine off that goal with one of their own a minute later, when Isaac Romero headed in after a delivery from Juanlu Sánchez, but Díaz scored Madrid’s fourth after a pass from Mbappé eight minutes after the break.

Dodi Lukebakio responded for Sevilla five minutes from time, beating Thibaut Courtois with a shot at the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s near post five minutes from time.

Special blow from Fede Valverde 😱

The Uruguayan finishes from distance and doubles Real Madrid’s advantage 💥 pic.twitter.com/G606b7lKSy

— Premier Deportes (@PremSportsTV) December 22, 2024

LaLiga classification: Atlético, Real Madrid, Barcelona

Madrid’s third consecutive home win since their 4-0 loss to Barcelona on October 26 puts them two points clear of Hansi Flick’s team.

They are one point behind leaders Atlético Madrid, who pulled off a 2-1 comeback against Barça on Saturday thanks to Alexander Sorloth’s 96th-minute goal.

Sevilla suffered a third consecutive away defeat in the league, although they led 3-1 against Atleti with 29 minutes remaining before losing 4-3 on 8 December.

Madrid’s next match will be against second-to-last Valencia on January 3 (8:00 p.m. GMT), while Atleti will play a home league match against Osasuna on January 12 (3:15 p.m.).

Barça has lost four and drawn two of its last seven LaLiga games. The next League match will be the visit to Getafe on January 18 (8:00 p.m.).