AAP Soccer

Mbappe scores as Real Madrid move into second for Xmas

By AAP Newswire

Dec 23, 2024

Kylian Mbappe has added to his scoring streak with a superb strike 10 minutes into a Spanish league match as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-2 to finish the year one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

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Mbappe sent a right-footed shot into the upper corner for his fourth goal in as many matches with Madrid in all competitions. It was his sixth strike in his last eight games with the Spanish champions.

Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz also scored in the comfortable home victory.

Mbappe firing in the opening goal in Real's 4-2 win. (AP PHOTO)

Atletico had rallied to shock Barcelona 2-1 on Saturday with a stoppage-time goal by Alexander Sorloth, and Real's victory has now left Barca third, two points behind their great rivals while having played an extra game.

Valverde scored in the 20th minute 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.

Elsewhere, second-to-last Valencia salvaged a 2-2 home draw with Alaves, thanks to a goal by Dani Gomez eight minutes into second-half stoppage time after the visitors had taken the lead with Joan Jordan in the 88th.

The setback drew more protests from Valencia fans who have been unhappy with the administration of team owner Peter Lim.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press