Thanks in part to Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid secured another lackluster victory. Against a decimated Sevilla side, Kylian Mbappé equaled a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Another lackluster performance, but another win: Real Madrid has earned itself a little breathing room with its third competitive win in a row just before Christmas. Bellingham made the difference in the 1-0 home win against Sevilla. In a less than thrilling first half, the Englishman headed a free kick from Rodrygo into the far corner (38′). His brother Jobe and other family members cheered from the stands. The visitors repeatedly caused problems for Xabi Alonso’s depleted side and created some good chances after the break. Isaac failed to beat Courtois twice in one-on-one situations (52nd/56th). Veteran Alexis Sanchez, a constant source of trouble, had set up the first chance with a great through ball and later tested Courtois himself with a long-range shot (66′).
Courtois forced into double save
But his counterpart Vlachodimos also showed his skills. The former Stuttgart player deflected Mbappé’s header onto the crossbar with his fingertips (57′) and Rodrygo’s technically demanding turn and shot (78′). By this point, Sevilla were already down to ten men after Marcao was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on Bellingham (68′).
It was remarkable how little the Royals controlled the game despite this advantage. However, the home side’s biggest ray of hope then led to the decisive moment: Rodrygo, who had been cautioned before the break for diving in the box, fooled Juanlu and was brought down by him in the penalty area. Mbappé converted from the spot (86′) and mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration: with his 59th goal in the 2025 calendar year, he equaled his idol’s Real record from 2013, although the Portuguese had fewer competitive games at his disposal.
The fact that Courtois had to show all his skills once again in injury time against Alfons Schlenzer was fitting for a mixed performance by the Madrilenians, who nevertheless reduced the gap to leaders FC Barcelona to one point for the time being. Their rivals will play the top match against third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
