Mbappe Brace Fires Real Madrid Past Sevilla Ahead of El Clasico
By Boye Goodluck, SPORT DESK – Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid thrashed Sevilla 4-1 on Sunday to strengthen their position in the La Liga title race ahead of next weekend’s blockbuster El Clasico against Barcelona.
The victory at the Santiago Bernabeu lifted Real Madrid to third place with 21 points, six behind league leaders Barcelona, who defeated Real Betis 5-2 on Saturday. Atletico Madrid occupy second place with 22 points.
Arda Guler opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 30th minute with a spectacular strike from the edge of the penalty area after a well-worked attacking move involving Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande.
Mbappe doubled the advantage seven minutes later with a brilliant individual effort. The French forward collected a backheel pass from Bellingham, skilfully manoeuvred past defenders and the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the net.
The 26-year-old extended Madrid’s lead after the break, converting a penalty with a Panenka-style chip after being brought down inside the box.
Sevilla reduced the deficit through Manuel Bueno in the 80th minute, but Diomande restored Madrid’s three-goal cushion two minutes later with a powerful strike from outside the area to complete the 4-1 victory.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho praised his team’s performance, saying the players had delivered a good display while continuing to develop their understanding.
The victory comes amid tensions over refereeing decisions in Spanish football. Sevilla coach Luis Garcia Plaza expressed frustration over an incident involving Guler, who appeared to elbow Peque during the first half without being sent off.
Madrid will now turn their attention to Barcelona, with both teams scheduled to meet at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25.
Barcelona head into the encounter with 27 points from nine matches, having won all nine league games and scored 39 goals. Real Madrid have won seven of their nine matches.
The upcoming Clasico offers Madrid an opportunity to reduce Barcelona’s advantage, while the Catalan side will look to extend their lead and maintain their perfect league record.
