La Liga Roundup: Mbappe scores again as Real Madrid ends 2024 in second place

MADRID — Kylian Mbappé added to his scoring streak with an excellent strike 10 minutes right into a Spanish league match as Actual Madrid beat Sevilla 4-2 on Sunday to complete the yr one level behind chief Atletico Madrid.

It was the final recreation for Sevilla and Spain nice Jesús Navas, who’s formally retiring on the finish of the yr. The defender was honored by Sevilla and Madrid gamers and followers on the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Mbappé despatched a right-footed shot into the higher nook for his fourth purpose in as many matches with Madrid in all competitions. It was Mbappé’s sixth purpose in his final eight video games with Madrid.

Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz additionally scored within the snug residence victory. 

Atletico rallied to shock Barcelona 2-1 Saturday with a stoppage-time purpose by Alexander Sorloth. Third-place Barcelona is 2 factors behind Madrid, having performed an additional recreation.

Valverde scored within the twentieth and Rodrygo within the thirty fourth earlier than Sevilla bought on the board with Isaac Romero within the thirty fifth. Díaz prolonged Madrid’s lead within the 53rd and Dodi Lukebakio bought the guests’ different purpose within the eighty fifth on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

“It was a well-played recreation, with many scoring conditions, an excellent finish to the yr,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated. “That was what we wished, to be close to the highest and get some good relaxation for 2025.”

Madrid subsequent faces Valencia on Jan. 3 in a match postponed due to the lethal floods that hit Valencia in October.

Sevilla, sitting in 14th place, had gained two of its final two video games in all competitions.

Gamers from each groups made a guard of honor for Navas earlier than the match, lining up as he entered the sphere, and Madrid’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric handed him a jersey of the membership signed by gamers. Followers gave Navas a standing ovation through the ceremony.

Substitute Navas got here on halfway via the second half.

“What occurred right now was spectacular,” the 39-year-old Navas stated after the match, unable to carry again tears. “I had by no means seen something prefer it in my life on a rival area. It was loopy. In these previous few minutes I couldn’t see something. I used to be trying on the floor recalling all of the moments I’ve went via and the enjoyment I’ve been capable of give to Sevilla and the nationwide crew.”

Navas helped Sevilla win 4 Europa League titles and Spain clinch the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 and 2024 European Championships. He was with Manchester Metropolis when it gained the 2014 Premier League.

“Navas actually deserves it,” Ancelotti stated. “Navas is an instance for everybody.”

Second-to-last Valencia salvaged a 2-2 residence draw with Alaves, due to a purpose by Dani Gómez eight minutes into second-half stoppage time after the guests had taken the lead with Joan Jordán within the 88th.

The setback drew extra protests from Valencia followers who’ve been sad with the administration of crew proprietor Peter Lim.

Thierno Barry scored a hat trick and Gerard Moreno and Pau Cabanes added one purpose every as fifth-place Villarreal gained 5-2 at Fifteenth-place Leganes, whereas Thirteenth-place Las Palmas gained 1-0 towards 18th-place Espanyol.