Kylian Mbappé scored his 59th goal for Real Madrid in 2025, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for most goals in a single year. The milestone came in the 86th minute via a penalty in a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sevilla in Madrid’s final match of the year.

The France striker, celebrating his 27th birthday, marked the achievement with a subdued version of Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, before blowing a kiss to the cameras. Since joining Real Madrid in summer 2024, Mbappé has scored 29 goals this season, including 18 in La Liga. “It’s incredible, in my first full year to do what Cristiano did. He’s my idol and the best player in Real Madrid’s history,” Mbappé said.

Sevilla struggled after defender Marcao was sent off for a second yellow, and coach Matías Almeyda was expelled during halftime for protesting. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied multiple scoring chances, keeping the clean sheet intact until Mbappé converted the penalty awarded after Juanlu Sánchez fouled Rodrygo.

Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, under pressure following a string of poor results, avoided further criticism with the win. Club president Florentino Pérez now has two weeks to assess the team’s performance before facing Real Betis on Jan. 4. Alonso acknowledged that while the team could have played better, the victory was crucial.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Levante and Real Sociedad drew 1-1 before announcing new coaches — Luís Castro for Levante and American Pellegrino Matarazzo for Sociedad. Osasuna beat Alaves 3-0, with Ante Budimir scoring twice, while Real Oviedo and Celta Vigo played a 0-0 draw, featuring a flock of pigeons on the pitch.

With the win, Madrid remains second in the league, just one point behind leaders Barcelona.