BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Kylian Mbappé scored his 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025 on Saturday, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most in a year.
In Madrid’s last match of the year, the French striker almost missed the milestone until he converted a penalty with four minutes left to seal a 2-0 win against 10-a-side Sevilla.
Mbappe equaled Ronaldo’s record in 2013. After hugging teammates, he marked the feat with a subdued version of Ronaldo’s trademark goal celebration before blowing a kiss to the television cameras.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star, who joined Madrid in the summer of 2024, has scored 29 goals for Madrid this season, including a league-leading 18.
Jude Bellingham headed home the goal in the 38th minute, and with 20 minutes remaining Sevilla lost defender Marcao for a second booking for a reckless tackle. Sevilla manager Matias Almeida was also sent off by the referee during the half-time break.
Alonso has been under pressure for several weeks due to a string of poor results and overall lackluster play from his star-studded team. There has been speculation in the Spanish sports media that the first-year manager could be replaced.
Madrid club president Florentino Perez will now have two weeks to think hard about the team’s future before their next match against Real Betis on January 4.
Alonso could not have afforded another blunder at the Santiago Bernabéu, as his team had lost their last two games. However, even after being reduced to 10 men, Madrid fans still had reason to complain about Sevilla’s repeated chances to score.
Alexis Sanchez, still in good shape at 37 years old, and right-back Juanl Sanchez were the most prominent in the Sevilla team, which opened holes in Madrid’s defence.
Madrid needed Thibaut Courtois to stop Alexis, Isaac Romero and Alfonso González from scoring four goals in the second half. However, Sevilla could have won if they had shown more finishing early on.
The result remained in doubt until Mbappé took the spot-kick after Juanle fouled Rodrigo inside the area.
Madrid temporarily fall behind leaders Barcelona and move into second place. Visit to 3rd place Villarreal on sunday.
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