LaLiga: Bellingham, Mbappé strike as Real Madrid ease past Sevilla
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé were on target as Real Madrid claimed a controlled 2-0 victory over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, applying pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Madrid were not at their most fluent but delivered enough performance to secure all three points.
The opening half was largely even, with both sides cancelling each other out and creating few clear-cut opportunities as the contest drifted into a back-and-forth flow.
Mbappe paid tribute to Ronaldo with his celebration after matching his 59 goals in one calendar year at Real Madrid – Getty image
Bellingham breaks the deadlock
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute. Bellingham timed his run perfectly to meet Rodrygo’s free-kick delivery, powering a header beyond the reach of the Sevilla goalkeeper to give Los Blancos the lead heading into the interval.
Red card worsens things for Sevilla
Real Madrid had chances to extend their advantage early in the second half, with Mbappé narrowly missing the target after finding space on the edge of the area.
Sevilla remained competitive and threatened sporadically, only to be repeatedly denied by an authoritative Thibaut Courtois.
Any hope of a comeback faded when Marcão was dismissed for a needless second yellow card, leaving Sevilla short-handed in the closing stages.
Mbappé seals the win
Madrid capitalised late on, with Mbappé converting a clear-cut penalty in the 86th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The goal capped a routine finish to the contest and ensured a comfortable end to the evening for Xabi Alonso’s side.
