Kylian Mbappé made an instant impact on his return to Real Madrid’s starting line-up as the visitors secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla FC at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
The France international, who had faced criticism from supporters during Real’s recent home victory against Real Oviedo, needed only 15 minutes to influence the match. Mbappe brought down the ball expertly on his chest before being challenged inside the area. The loose ball fell kindly to Vinícius Júnior, who calmly finished from close range to score the game’s only goal.
Although Mbappe was not officially awarded the assist, the move highlighted his attacking presence and importance to a Real Madrid side that otherwise struggled to create clear chances.
Sevilla began brightly and looked the more dangerous side in the opening stages despite entering the match with both European qualification and relegation still mathematically possible heading into the final weeks of the season.
The hosts threatened early when Thibaut Courtois was forced into a strong save to deny Oso’s long-range strike. Moments later, the lively attacker beat veteran defender Dani Carvajal down the left flank before sending a dangerous low cross into the penalty area towards Akor Adams.
However, once Vinicius Jr handed Real Madrid the lead, the visitors appeared in control. The Spanish giants extended an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in their last 27 La Liga matches after scoring first.
Mbappe nearly doubled the advantage before halftime when he cut in from the left and curled a shot narrowly wide of the far post. The forward also produced a brilliant backheel flick that set up Aurélien Tchouaméni, though the midfielder failed to convert from close range.
Sevilla pushed for an equaliser after the break and came close through substitute Alexis Sánchez, who could not make proper contact with a cross delivered by Jose Angel Carmona.
Mbappe later thought he had scored himself after finishing confidently inside the box, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The victory keeps Real Madrid CF in second place in La Liga, while Sevilla slip to 13th ahead of the final weekend of the season. Sevilla’s top-flight survival was later confirmed following Girona FC’s 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid.
