MBAPPÉ MATCHES RONALDO’S REAL MADRID GOAL RECORD

Kylian Mbappé marked his 27th birthday in memorable fashion by equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record for goals scored in a calendar year, as Los Blancos secured a 2-0 victory over Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday night.

The French forward netted his 59th goal of the year from the penalty spot late in the match, matching the tally set by Ronaldo in 2013. Jude Bellingham had earlier given Real Madrid the lead with a first-half header at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mbappé’s goal, which sealed the win, saw him replicate Ronaldo’s iconic celebration as a tribute to his long-time idol. The milestone cannot be surpassed this year, with Real Madrid’s next fixture scheduled for January 4.

The victory allowed Real Madrid to cut the gap on league leaders Barcelona to just one point, maintaining pressure at the top of the table heading into the winter break.

Sevilla put up a strong fight, creating several chances, but were hampered in the second half by a red card and ultimately failed to find a way past Thibaut Courtois.

Mbappé later acknowledged Ronaldo’s influence on his career and shared the moment on social media, underlining the significance of joining the Portuguese great in Real Madrid history.

#MaltaDaily