MADRID — Kylian Mbappe equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record of 59 goals in a calendar year as Los Blancos secured a hard-fought victory over Sevilla to maintain pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid broke the deadlock seven minutes before half-time when Jude Bellingham rose above Lucien Agoume to glance a header into the top corner from a Rodrygo free-kick.

Sevilla pushed for an equaliser and created several promising openings, but Real’s task became easier early in the second half when Marcao was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Bellingham.

Celebrating his 27th birthday, Mbappe sealed the win in the 86th minute by calmly converting from the penalty spot after Rodrygo was fouled by Juanlu Sanchez.

The goal took the French forward to 59 goals in the calendar year for Real Madrid, matching the mark set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013.

“It’s a special day because it’s my birthday,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV. “I always said it would be a dream to play on my birthday for Real Madrid, the club of my dreams. To do what Cristiano did, my idol and one of the greatest players in the history of football, is an honour.”

Despite his decisive contribution, Mbappe endured a frustrating evening for long spells. He failed to register a shot on target in the first half and saw an early second-half effort saved by Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Sevilla came close to levelling when Isaac Romero twice broke through on the counter-attack, only to be denied by Thibaut Courtois on both occasions. Mbappe then went close himself, curling a shot wide from a tight angle before heading against the crossbar.

Late drama followed when Real were awarded a second penalty after Bellingham went down in the area, potentially giving Mbappe the chance to break Ronaldo’s record outright. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Mbappe marked his milestone with Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu” celebration, paying tribute to the Portuguese legend.

“It was for him,” Mbappe said. “Cristiano has always been kind to me and helped me understand what it means to play for Real Madrid. He was my idol growing up, and now he is a friend.”

Ronaldo scored his 59 goals for Real Madrid in 2013 across 50 matches, recording seven hat-tricks and 14 assists.

Mbappe required nine more games to reach the same tally but boasts superior overall numbers at the same age, having recorded 586 goal contributions compared to Ronaldo’s 378 by the time he turned 27.

Real Madrid’s victory keeps them firmly in the title race as they head into the final stretch of the season, with Mbappe continuing to etch his name alongside the club’s greatest figures. — Agencies