Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored stunning long-range goals as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla, keeping the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Mbappe, Valverde, and Rodrygo each found the net in the first half to give Los Blancos a commanding lead, and Brahim Diaz added a fourth shortly after the break, sealing the win for Madrid.
Sevilla captain Jesus Navas, aged 39, made a poignant appearance off the bench, marking the final appearance of his career and bringing an emotional end to his 20-year connection with the club. Navas is retiring mid-season due to a chronic hip injury.
Madrid took the lead in the 10th minute when Mbappe fired a dipping 25-yard shot past Alvaro Fernandez following a swift counter-attack. Ten minutes later, Valverde doubled the lead with a brilliant 30-yard strike from a Madrid corner.
Rodrygo added a third in the 34th minute, finishing a cut-back from Lucas Vazquez to cement Madrid’s dominance. Sevilla responded immediately, with Isaac Romero heading home Juanlu Sanchez’s cross from close range.
Mbappe turned provider early in the second half, slipping in Brahim Diaz to score over the goalkeeper, putting Madrid 4-1 up.
The Bernabeu then rose to applaud Navas onto the field for his final appearance, exactly 20 years after his first game at the Bernabeu.
Navas, the only player in history to win the World Cup, European Championship, and UEFA Nations League, almost set up a goal with an assist as Isaac’s low strike hit the post.
Sevilla pulled a goal back when Dodi Lukebakio beat Thibaut Courtois at the near post in the 85th minute, but Madrid held on for a 4-2 win.
This victory marked Madrid’s 19th win in their last 20 home games against Sevilla, propelling them into second place in the table, two points ahead of Barcelona with a game in hand and just a point behind Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona, who lost 2-1 to Atletico on Saturday after conceding in the 96th minute, have now won just two of their last eight league games since their 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in October.