Real Madrid beat Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu and closed out 2025 the way the club expects of itself, with a win, control and one name writing history. The 2–0 scoreline delivered three more points and set the stage for an achievement that doesn’t go unnoticed. Kylian Mbappé reached 59 goals in the calendar year and matched the record set by Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2013.
A goal that shifts the tone of the game
The opening stretch was intense, with a high tempo and quick chances at both ends. Real looked to push the pace early, using Rodrygo and runs through the channels, while Sevilla answered with direct transitions, especially through Isaac, who caused problems in the opening minutes. It was an open game, without clear dominance, but with the sense that any mistake could be costly.
As the first half went on, Real Madrid started to adjust. They moved the ball more patiently, squeezed the space and pulled the game into a more comfortable rhythm. The goal came in the 38th minute from a set piece that reflected that shift. Rodrygo delivered a precise wide free kick, and Jude Bellingham timed his run to nod it home and open the scoring.
An open game, a red card and late pressure
The second half played out at a looser pace. Mbappé became more involved, finishing from inside the box, forcing a save from Odysseas and then hitting the crossbar with a header. At the other end, Isaac threatened again and made Courtois work. Chances came one after another, with neither side able to put the game away.
The turning point arrived in the 68th minute, when Marcão picked up a second yellow card and was sent off. With the extra man, Real Madrid stepped up their attacking presence, but without rushing things. Rodrygo nearly scored with a volley after a sharp move inside the box, drawing a fine save from Odysseas before the ball clipped the crossbar. The pressure paid off soon after, when Rodrygo was brought down by Juanlu and a penalty was awarded.
Mbappé stepped up with the calm of someone who’s done it countless times. He struck it firmly, gave the goalkeeper no chance and scored the goal that sealed the result and the historic moment. His 59th goal of 2025 matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s mark as the highest total ever by a Real Madrid player in a single year. He reached it in 58 matches, with an impressive breakdown of 11 braces, four hat tricks and one four goal game.
Until the final whistle, there were still moments of back and forth, but Courtois was the standout late on, making sure Real finished the night without conceding.