Real Madrid leapfrogged FC Barcelona into second spot on the LALIGA table with a 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday evening.
LALIGA
Result: Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla
Date: 22 December 2024
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Madrid were without Vinicius Junior due to suspension but they were boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe, who was recalled alongside Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga, as three changes from the draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Los Blancos had a bright start after Mbappe fired them ahead within ten minutes with a strike from the edge of the box into the top corner after a cut-back by Rodrygo.
The hosts remained on the front foot and Federico Valverde doubled their lead ten minutes later with another rocket from the edge of the box following a short corner.
Carlo Ancelotti's charges were unstoppable as Rodrygo made it 3-0 ten minutes before the break with a flying first-time shot that sailed past goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez and found the back of the net.
Seville went to the break with hopes of a comeback, as a moment later Isaac Romero reduced the deficit with a close-range header after a cross by Juanlu Sanchez.
Sevilla had a big chance to get a second goal back just two minutes from the break after a mistake at the back but Isaac Romero's blasted shot was saved by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in a one-on-one.
The game then got away from the Rojiblancos five minutes later after Brahim Diaz made it 4-1 with a tidy finish in the box from a through ball by Mbappe.
With Los Blancos in control, Ancelotti took the opportunity to rest some legs with 20 minutes to go as Rodrygo and Ceballos were both replaced by Arda Guler and Luka Modric.
Romero was unfortunate not to make it 4-2 for Sevilla on 73 minutes after his shot from the edge of the box came off the post.
The visitors were still motivated in the dying minutes, as Dodi Lukebakio eventually got a second goal back with a low strike at the near post after he raced through on goal from a counter-attack.
Madrid leapfrogged Barcelona in second spot on the log, one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
