Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-2 in a thrilling La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid early in the match, followed by Federico Valverde and Rodrygo, who gave Madrid a commanding 3-1 lead at halftime, with Sevilla’s Isaac Romero scoring. Brahim Díaz scored a fourth goal for the hosts after the break, however Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio equalised late on. Real Madrid’s outstanding effort resulted in three critical points as they pursued the crown.

Kylian Mbappé scores and shines again after hitting ‘rock bottom’ with Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé added to his scoring streak with a superb strike in Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Sevilla in the Spanish league on Sunday to finish the year on a positive note after hitting what he called “rock bottom” in early December.

Mbappé sent a right-footed shot into the upper corner 10 minutes into the match for his fourth goal in as many games with Madrid in all competitions. It was Mbappé’s sixth goal in his last eight matches with Madrid.

He struggled early on with his new club, and Mbappé said his lowest point came when he missed a penalty kick in the team’s 2-1 league loss at Athletic Bilbao on Dec. 4.

The France star said that made him realize “I have to give my all for this jersey and play with personality.”

Mbappé said he feels his period of adjustment with the club is finally over.

Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz also scored in the comfortable home victory that allowed Madrid to finish the year one point behind Spanish league leader Atletico Madrid.

Atletico rallied to shock Barcelona 2-1 Saturday with a stoppage-time goal by Alexander Sorloth. Third-place Barcelona is two points behind Madrid, having played an extra game.

Valverde scored in the 20th and Rodrygo in the 34th before Sevilla got on the board with Isaac Romero in the 35th. Díaz extended Madrid’s lead in the 53rd and Dodi Lukebakio got the visitors’ other goal in the 85th at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Madrid next faces Valencia on Jan. 3 in a match postponed because of the deadly floods that hit Valencia in October.

Sevilla, sitting in 14th place, had won two of its last two games in all competitions.

Navas’ farewell

It was the last game for Sevilla and Spain great Jesús Navas, who is officially retiring at the end of the year. The defender was honored by Sevilla and Madrid players and fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Players from both teams made a guard of honor for Navas before the match, lining up as he entered the field, and Madrid’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric handed him a jersey of the club signed by players. Fans gave Navas a standing ovation during the ceremony.

Substitute Navas came on midway through the second half.

Navas helped Sevilla win four Europa League titles and Spain clinch the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 and 2024 European Championships. He was with Manchester City when it won the 2014 Premier League.

(AP)