Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Arda Guler struck a spectacular opener as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday in matchday nine of the Spanish La Liga, a week before their highly anticipated clash with Barcelona.
Los Blancos started Brazilian forward Endrick on the right wing, with Yan Diomande replacing the suspended Vinicius Junior on the left.
Turkish international Guler broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, meeting Diomande’s pass with a first-time left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area that curled into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos helpless.
The 21-year-old midfielder continued his impressive start to the season, taking his league tally to two goals and three assists in nine matches.
Mbappe doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 37th minute, receiving Jude Bellingham’s backheel pass before breaking into the penalty area, rounding Vlachodimos and slotting home.
Sevilla nearly pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but Thibaut Courtois produced a fine low save to deny Lucien Agoume.
Real Madrid extended their lead in the 63rd minute when Mbappe converted a penalty with a Panenka-style finish after being brought down by Andres Castrin.
The visitors reduced the deficit in the 80th minute when substitute Manu Bueno fired a left-footed shot into the far corner following an assist from Lucas Stassin.
However, Diomande restored Madrid’s three-goal cushion just two minutes later, racing forward after Aurelien Tchouameni’s cross-field pass before smashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
The victory lifted Real Madrid to third place with 21 points from nine matches, six behind leaders Barcelona, while Sevilla remained sixth with 14 points.
Real Madrid will visit Barcelona for El Clasico on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Sunday’s results:
Osasuna 2-0 Racing Santander
Celta Vigo 2-1 Deportivo Alaves
Malaga 2-5 Real Sociedad