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12/20 16:27 CST Mbapp equals Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a year for Real
Madrid
Mbapp equals Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a year for Real Madrid
By JOSEPH WILSON
Associated Press
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) --- Kylian Mbapp scored his 59th goal for Real Madrid in
2025 on Saturday to equal the club record for the most in a year held by
Cristiano Ronaldo.
The milestone was about to escape the France striker until he converted a
penalty kick with four minutes left to complete a 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla
in Madrid's final game of the year.
Mbapp matched Ronaldo's tally from 2013. After embracing his teammates, he
marked the feat with a subdued version of Ronaldo's trademark goal celebration
before blowing a kiss at the television cameras.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star, who joined Madrid in the summer of 2024,
has scored 29 times for Madrid this season, including a league-leading 18.
Jude Bellingham scored with a header in the 38th minute and Sevilla lost
defender Marcao to a second booking for rash tackles with 20 minutes left.
Sevilla coach Matas Almeyda also was expelled by the referee during the
halftime break.
Alonso has been under pressure for several weeks due to a run of bad results
and the overall lackluster play of his star-studded side. Spanish sports media
is rife with speculation the first-year coach could be replaced.
Now Madrid club president Florentino Prez will have two weeks to ponder the
team's future before its next game against Real Betis on Jan. 4.
Alonso could have ill afforded another slip at the Santiago Bernabeu after his
side lost its previous two games. But Madrid's fans still had reason to grumble
after Sevilla repeatedly created scoring chances --- even after being reduced
to 10 men.
Alexis Snchez, still spry at age 37, and right back Juanlu Snchez stood out
the most for a Sevilla side that poked holes in Madrid's defense.
Madrid needed Thibaut Courtois to deny Alexis, Isaac Romero and Alfonso
Gonzlez on four strikes in the second half. But Sevilla could have gone ahead
if it had just showed more finishing touch early on.
The result was still in doubt until Mbapp converted his spot kick after Juanlu
fouled Rodrygo in the area.
Madrid is in second place at one point behind Barcelona before the leader
visits third-placed Villarreal on Sunday.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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