Real Madrid sent a massive warning to Barcelona ahead of next Sunday’s El Clasico with a ruthless 4-1 demolition of Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night.
Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show with a stunning brace as Los Blancos made it three straight wins since the international break and closed the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona to six points.
Guler Spark, Mbappe Magic
Despite the absence of suspended Vinicius Jr, Real produced their most fluid attacking display of the season, with Arda Guler pulling the strings in midfield.
After a cagey opening, Guler ignited the game in the 25th minute, collecting Yan Diomande’s pass and arrowing a superb shot into the top corner.
Mbappe doubled the lead in the 37th minute with a moment of pure brilliance — turning sharply to burst through the Sevilla defence before calmly beating Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Coach Jose Mourinho, back for his second spell at Real, restored Fede Valverde at right back and the Uruguayan made a crucial block to deny Felix Correia just before the hour as Sevilla pushed to get back into the contest.
Penalty, Consolation And Thunderbolt
The pressure told when Diomande exploited Sevilla’s high line, sending Mbappe clean through. Andres Castrin brought down the Frenchman and Mbappe dusted himself off to convert the penalty for his second of the night and 3-0.
Sevilla pulled one back 10 minutes from time through substitute Manu Bueno after Mbappe cheaply lost possession deep in his own half.
But Diomande restored the three-goal cushion two minutes later with a thunderous strike to cap a fine personal display.
There was also a heartwarming moment late on as Eder Militao received a standing ovation on his return in the 85th minute, his first appearance since hamstring surgery in April.
Real move to third on 21 points, one behind Atletico Madrid, while Sevilla stay sixth on 14. All eyes now turn to next Sunday’s pivotal Clasico at the Bernabeu.
