MADRID, 21 December (H.S.): Kylian Mbappé marked his 27th birthday in style by scoring his 59th goal of the calendar year for Real Madrid, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s long‑standing club record in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The French forward struck from the penalty spot in the closing minutes to seal Madrid’s final match of 2025 and keep them within one point of league leaders Barcelona.

Mbappé’s late penalty, converted four minutes from time, drew him level with Ronaldo’s mark of 59 goals in a single year for Real Madrid, originally set in 2013. The forward has now scored 59 times in as many games across all competitions in 2025, underlining his status as the team’s most decisive attacking force.

His tally includes a league‑leading haul this season as well as goals in domestic and European competitions, making him Madrid’s joint top scorer in a calendar year in club history.

Having already been denied several times and seeing one effort come back off the woodwork, Mbappé appeared set to miss out on the record before his decisive spot kick.

After embracing his teammates, he marked the milestone with a toned‑down version of Ronaldo’s iconic leap-and-land celebration before blowing a kiss towards the television cameras, a gesture widely interpreted as a tribute to his “idol.”

The goal capped a performance in which he registered multiple shots on target and constantly stretched Sevilla’s defensive line with his pace and movement.

Real Madrid had earlier taken the lead in the 38th minute when Jude Bellingham powered in a close-range header from a Rodrygo free kick delivered from the right flank.

Sevilla, however, regularly threatened on the counter, with Alexis Sánchez and Isaac Romero among those forcing important saves from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The visitors’ task became harder midway through the second half when defender Marcao was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for another rash challenge on Bellingham.

Despite the result, sections of the Bernabéu crowd voiced their frustration as Sevilla continued to create opportunities even with 10 men. Coach Xabi Alonso has been under pressure after a sequence of poor results and uneven performances from a star‑studded squad, and Spanish media speculation over his future is expected to continue during the upcoming winter break.

Club president Florentino Pérez now has a two‑week window to assess the team’s direction before Madrid return to action at home against Real Betis on Sunday, January 4.

The victory lifted Real Madrid to second place in La Liga, one point behind leaders Barcelona, who are scheduled to visit third‑placed Villarreal in their final league match of the year on Sunday.

With Mbappé level with Ronaldo’s record, attention will now turn to whether the Frenchman can surpass the Portuguese great in 2026 as he continues his prolific partnership with Bellingham and Rodrygo in Madrid’s attack.

For Sevilla, the spirited display at the Bernabéu – led by veteran Alexis Sánchez and energetic right back Juanlu Sánchez – offered encouragement despite the defeat and the late penalty that ultimately sealed their fate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar