Mbappé Matches Ronaldo’s Record as
Resilient Real Madrid Sees off Sevilla

Madrid, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) — 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.

— Ends/Khalid