Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga at the Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday.
Sevilla came close to taking the lead after seven minutes. Isaac Romero pounced on a loose pass and dinked the ball over Thibaut Courtois, but his effort went wide.
The visitors created another opening in the 13th minute, as a low cross was delivered into the area for Alexis Sanchez. He was just inches away from connecting with it.
Kylian Mbappe blazed an effort wide for Madrid, epitomising their slow start.
Mbappe’s chance marked a turning point for Madrid as they began to dominate possession, but they could not test goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The hosts eventually made the breakthrough in the 38th minute as Jude Bellingham rose highest to head Rodrygo’s free-kick into the net.
Mbappe slashed an effort flash wide of the right post after the break, before Courtois made a brilliant save to deny Romero.
Mbappe then found another opening in Sevilla’s defence, heading the ball from a corner which was deflected off the crossbar by the goalkeeper.
Sanchez called Courtois into action at the other end, forcing him to parry his powerful shot away.
Sevilla’s quest to draw level suffered a big blow in the 70th minute, as Marcao was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.
Vlachodimos produced a superb save to deny Rodrygo from doubling Madrid’s lead, tipping his effort onto the crossbar.
Madrid were awarded a penalty five minutes from time, and Mbappe converted to seal a 2-0 victory.
The Frenchman has now bagged 59 goals in 2025, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of the most goals scored by a Madrid player in a calendar year.
The victorymoves Madrid one point behind leaders Barcelona, who face Villarreal on Sunday.
