Mbappé Equals Ronaldo but Real Madrid Still Don’t Convince

Mbappé Joins Ronaldo in Madrid History

Kylian Mbappé matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid as Los Blancos secured a 2-0 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu. The French forward, celebrating his birthday, converted a late penalty to equal Ronaldo’s 2013 achievement and marked the moment with his idol’s iconic celebration.

While the numbers made headlines, the performance itself raised familiar questions about Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso. The win was welcome, but far from convincing.

Bellingham Relieves the Pressure

Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid the lead shortly before half-time, nodding home from Rodrygo’s free kick after the Brazilian had been fouled. The goal settled the stadium after a nervous opening spell and eased some pressure on Alonso, whose side had struggled for rhythm despite recent victories over Alavés and Talavera.

Real started brightly, with Fran García forcing a strong save from Odysseas Vlachodimos early on, but defensive uncertainty quickly crept in. Sevilla threatened through Isaac Romero and later Alexis Sánchez, while whistles from the home crowd reflected growing frustration.

Chaos, Cards and Missed Chances

Rodrygo was booked for diving after appealing for a penalty, a decision that sparked furious protests from Sevilla manager Matías Almeyda, who was sent off at half-time. After the break, Mbappé pushed relentlessly for his historic goal, striking the post with a header and firing narrowly wide on several occasions.

Sevilla remained dangerous, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a series of crucial saves. Their resistance ended in the 68th minute when Marcão was dismissed for a second yellow card after bringing down Bellingham.

Penalty Seals the Moment

With Sevilla down to ten men, the outcome finally became clear. Rodrygo was fouled in the box late on, and Mbappé calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to make history. A second spot-kick for Real was later overturned by VAR, but it did little to change the narrative.

The victory lifts Real Madrid to within a point of Barcelona, but despite Mbappé’s milestone, doubts remain. Records were broken, yet questions about Real’s consistency under Alonso refuse to disappear.