Mbappe double helps Real Madrid sweep aside Sevilla ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid moved up to third in La Liga with a convincing 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice before next weekend’s meeting with Barcelona.

Arda Guler opened the scoring after 30 minutes, while Mbappe added a second seven minutes later following a solo run in which he rounded the Sevilla goalkeeper before finishing.

The France international completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after winning the spot-kick. Manuel Sebastian pulled one back for Sevilla with a long-range effort in the 80th minute, but Yan Diomande restored Real Madrid’s three-goal advantage two minutes later with a powerful strike.

The result lifted Real Madrid to 21 points in third place. Sevilla remain sixth on 14 points.

Diomande also supplied the pass for Guler’s opener, meaning he has created a goal in two successive matches in all competitions for the first time in his career in Europe’s major leagues.

At 19 years and 338 days, he became the first player under the age of 20 to score and set up a goal in the same La Liga match for Real Madrid during the 21st century. He surpassed the previous record held by Jude Bellingham, who achieved the feat at 20 years and 51 days.

Mbappe leads Real Madrid response

Sevilla threatened first when Ruben Vargas sent a powerful shot just wide in the 16th minute. Real Madrid responded immediately, although Federico Valverde’s fierce effort a minute later struck Mbappe and was prevented from reaching the goal.

Thibaut Courtois was required to make an important save shortly before half-time, keeping out a shot from Youssef Fofana in the 45th minute to preserve Real Madrid’s lead.

Jose Mourinho selected the fourth-youngest starting line-up of his Real Madrid career in La Liga. His youngest came against Granada in January 2012, when the team’s average age was 25 years and 124 days.

Endrick led the attack in place of Vinicius Junior, who was unavailable after being sent off against Villarreal.

Diomande’s late strike was his second La Liga goal for Real Madrid and completed the scoring as the home side secured a second consecutive league victory.

Real Madrid will now prepare for their next league fixture against Barcelona at Camp Nou.