Bellingham Fires Explosive Warning to Barcelona as Real Madrid Demolish Sevilla - Player Ratings Inside

Real Madrid wrapped up 2025 with a 2–0 triumph against Sevilla on Saturday night, maintaining pressure on league leaders Barcelona in La Liga.

Following a dismal six-week period, Los Blancos were eager to enter the winter break with maximum points. However, Carlo Ancelotti's squad delivered a display that drew boos from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful.

Nevertheless, despite Real Madrid's uninspiring performance across 90 minutes, some set-piece brilliance involving Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, plus a converted penalty from Kylian Mbappé, clinched the victory. It certainly helped that Sevilla finished the final 22 minutes a man down.

The Madrid outfit now sits just one point behind Barcelona in the La Liga table. If the Catalan side falters against Villarreal on Sunday, the title race becomes significantly more competitive.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Sevilla (4-1-2-3)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Thibaut Courtois—8.5: Delivered crucial saves in the second period to rescue his improvised defensive line. A key factor in Real Madrid securing all three points.

RB: Raúl Asencio—7.0: Performed admirably in an unfamiliar role. Compensated for attacking limitations with outstanding defensive contributions.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—7.0: Required significant energy to contain Alexis Sánchez. Might have struggled against superior attacking talent.

CB: Dean Huijsen—7.8: Appeared moments from catastrophe early on. Exposed for speed repeatedly, yet displayed excellent ball-handling skills.

LB: Fran García—7.1: Made several unexpected forward surges to diversify the offensive approach. Continues to be vulnerable defensively.

DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—7.6: Recovered following an uncertain beginning. Effectively dropped into a third center-back role when needed.

AM: Arda Güler—7.1: Frequently dispossessed with ease. Lacks sufficient midfield presence to replace Eduardo Camavinga, who will likely reclaim his starting position in 2026.

AM: Jude Bellingham—8.6: Bellingham's versatility knows no bounds. Netted the opener, created chances in the attacking third, won most challenges and tracked back defensively. Earned every bit of acclaim from the Bernabéu supporters.

RW: Rodrygo—8.9: Mesmerized opponents down the right wing in another classic display. His free-kick delivery led to the breakthrough goal, marking three goal involvements in his last three appearances. Also earned the penalty that sealed victory.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—8.3: Eager to find the net, occasionally at his teammates' expense. Nevertheless, his influence was significant and he eventually achieved his record-equaling strike.

LW: Vinicius Junior—7.9: Somewhat predictable in possession, yet still dominated the left attacking corridor. Unfortunate not to register at least one assist during the match.

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Jorge Cestero, Thiago Pitarch, Franco Mastantuono.

Sevilla (5-3-2)

Starting XI: Odysseas Vlachodimos; Juanlu Sánchez, José Ángel Carmona, Nemanja Gudelj, Marcão, Gabriel Suazo; Djibril Sow, Lucien Agoumé, Batista Mendy; Isaac Romero, Alexis Sánchez.

Subs used: Oso, Gerard Fernández, Alfon, Kike Salas, Adnan Januzaj.

Player of the Match: Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid 2–0 Sevilla—How It Unfolded at the Bernabéu

The Madrid giants experienced an almost catastrophic opening on Saturday evening. Careless turnovers from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dean Huijsen gifted Sevilla excellent opportunities in the match's early moments, causing concern throughout the Bernabéu.

Real Madrid avoided conceding, though not through their own merit; improved finishing from Isaac Romero and Alexis Sánchez could have easily put the visitors ahead before the 10-minute mark.

Ancelotti's team found their rhythm but had little to demonstrate for it. Every forward pass was predictable for Sevilla's defensive unit, with virtually no creativity emerging from Arda Güler in midfield. Kylian Mbappé even wandered to the right wing desperately seeking involvement.

With only one shot on target after 35 minutes, Los Blancos' limited attack received assistance from Marcão. The defender made a questionable challenge on Rodrygo that controversially earned only a yellow card. Still, the dangerous, studs-up foul provided Real Madrid with a set piece that transformed the contest.

Rodrygo delivered an exceptional cross from the right that Bellingham connected with aerially. The English midfielder guided his header into the net to give his team a 1–0 advantage in the 38th minute.

Following a subdued first half, Mbappé emerged from the interval determined to score. The French striker had multiple opportunities in the second half's opening minutes but couldn't provide the finishing touch to get his name on the scoresheet.

Real Madrid would have regretted Mbappé's missed chances without Thibaut Courtois's heroics at the opposite end. The keeper made two exceptional stops to deny Romero, who consistently exploited the hosts' makeshift defense, preserving his team's advantage.

The game swung back toward Los Blancos in the 68th minute. Marcão received his second booking of the evening for a reckless sliding challenge on Bellingham, reducing Sevilla to ten players.

To the frustration of the Bernabéu crowd, Ancelotti's side couldn't find a second goal against their reduced opponents until Rodrygo earned a penalty in the 85th minute. Mbappé coolly slotted home from the spot to equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most goals by a Real Madrid player in a calendar year.

It appeared the French forward might surpass his idol's milestone, but another penalty award was overturned following a conclusive VAR check. Nevertheless, the 15-time European champions gladly secured their three points and can now concentrate on the holiday period.

Real Madrid vs. Sevilla Halftime Stats

Real Madrid vs. Sevilla Full Time Stats