Real Madrid concluded 2025 on a triumphant note as Kylian Mbappé etched his name into the club’s history by matching Cristiano Ronaldo‘s remarkable record of 59 goals in a calendar year. The French superstar achieved this milestone during a commanding 2-0 victory over Sevilla, where Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a header, and Mbappé capped the night with a penalty conversion.
The match against Sevilla was not just another fixture; it was a testament to Real Madrid’s resilience and dominance in La Liga. Despite some recent struggles, including a lackluster Copa del Rey performance against Talavera de la Reina, the squad managed to rally. Noteworthy contributions came from players like Endrick, David Jiménez, Dani Ceballos, and Gonzalo García in the cup match, yet head coach Xabi Alonso opted for experience over sentiment in his starting lineup against Sevilla. With injuries still plaguing the team, particularly at right-back where Jiménez had filled in admirably, Alonso decided to revert to Raúl Asencio, despite his previous underwhelming performances.
Maintaining Dominance Over Sevilla
Los Blancos entered this match with an impressive 13-game unbeaten streak against Sevilla, who last tasted victory at the Santiago Bernabéu back in 2009. The contrast between the two teams has been stark; while Sevilla has historically been a powerhouse in La Liga, their current struggles have seen them falter due to off-field chaos and injuries. The 2-0 win not only extended Madrid’s unbeaten run but also provided a much-needed boost heading into the holiday break.
Xabi Alonso’s Future Uncertain
Speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso’s future as head coach continues to swirl. Despite securing wins recently that have seemingly bought him time, there remains skepticism about the team’s overall performance under his leadership. The winter break offers a crucial opportunity for reflection and potential change. With Real Betis set to visit the Bernabéu in January, any decision regarding Alonso’s tenure could materialize during this hiatus, allowing for a new coach to implement their vision.
As for Mbappé’s achievement of equaling Ronaldo’s calendar year record of 59 goals, questions loom about whether he can surpass it in the future. He celebrated his penalty goal against Sevilla by mimicking Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, showcasing both his joy and ambition. Throughout this season, Mbappé has shown remarkable consistency and fitness, but sustaining such performance levels is a daunting task. His physical condition will play a significant role in determining if he can eclipse Ronaldo’s historic tally.
Another silver lining for Real Madrid has been the resurgence of Rodrygo Goes. After enduring a lengthy goal drought and struggling for form, he has emerged as a key contributor with two goals in recent matches against Manchester City and Alavés. Against Sevilla, he provided an assist for Bellingham’s header and earned the penalty that allowed Mbappé to score. With Brahim Díaz on international duty and Franco Mastantuono struggling for form, Rodrygo appears set to retain his place in the starting XI moving forward.
The upcoming winter break arrives as a welcome relief for Los Blancos, allowing players to recuperate physically and mentally after an intense season thus far. Injuries have plagued key players like Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal; however, there is hope that they will return refreshed after the break. As Real Madrid remains firmly in contention for the title—with only a four-point gap separating them from rivals—this period could be pivotal for their campaign.
The holiday season brings optimism for both players and fans alike as they look forward to what lies ahead in 2026. Can Real Madrid continue their pursuit of glory while navigating these challenges? Only time will tell.
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