Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla: The hosts move a point behind leaders Atletico

Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored from long range as Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.

First-half strikes from Mbappe, Valverde and Rodrygo put Los Blancos in control before Brahim Diaz completed a fine team move shortly after the break to put the result beyond the visitors.

Sevilla captain Jesus Navas, 39, came off the bench to make the final appearance of his career, bringing an emotional end to his 20-year association with the club. He quit mid-season due to a chronic hip injury.

Madrid took the lead in the 10th minute through Mbappe, who beat Alvaro Fernandez with a deep 25-yard strike at the end of a quick counter-attack.

Ten minutes later, Valverde doubled the lead with a stunning effort of his own from 30 yards following a Madrid corner.

Rodrygo swept home a Lucas Vazquez cut-back in the 34th minute to hammer home Madrid’s dominance, although Sevilla immediately pulled a goal back when Isaac Romero headed home Juanlu Sanchez’s cross from close range.

Mbappe turned provider eight minutes after the restart when he slipped Brahim in behind the visitors’ defense to lift a finish over the keeper before the Bernabeu rose to pat Navas onto the pitch.

The Spaniard – the only player in history to win the World Cup, European Championship and Uefa Nations League – played his 705th game for Sevilla, exactly 20 years since he first played at the Bernabeu.

Navas, who also played at Manchester City, provided an assist almost immediately, but Isaac’s low strike rebounded off the foot of the post.

Dodi Lukebakio beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post to pull another goal back for Sevilla five minutes from time.

A 19th win in their last 20 home games against Sevilla helped Madrid leapfrog Barcelona into second in the table, two points ahead of their arch-rivals with a game in hand – and a point behind neighbors Atletico.

Barcelona came on in the 96th minute to lose 2-1 at Atletico on Saturday and have now won just two of their eight league games since beating Real Madrid 4-0 in October.