On his 27th birthday, Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year as Real Madrid defeated 10-man Sevilla -0 to stay close to Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe celebrated his 27th birthday by etching his name into the Real Madrid history books during a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sevilla.
The Frenchman converted a late penalty to reach 59 goals in a calendar year, equalling the club record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013.
The win ensures Carlo Ancelotti’s side remains firmly in the hunt for the La Liga title, keeping the heat on current leaders Barcelona.
The deadlock was broken seven minutes before the interval when Jude Bellingham rose highest to glance a header into the top corner from a Rodrygo free-kick.
Sevilla’s hopes of a comeback were severely dented after the break when defender Marcao was dismissed for a second bookable offense following a reckless challenge on Bellingham.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors forced Thibaut Courtois into two vital saves to preserve Madrid’s slender lead.
Mbappe’s historic moment arrived in the 86th minute after Juanlu Sanchez fouled Rodrygo in the area. The forward coolly dispatched the spot-kick, though he was denied a chance to break the record outright when a second penalty was overturned by VAR.
It was a resilient performance from the reigning champions, who overcame a frustrating opening period to secure three vital points at the Santiago Bernabeu.