Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Arda Guler struck a spectacular opener as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. The match formed part of matchday nine in the Spanish La Liga and took place a week before a highly anticipated clash with Barcelona.
Los Blancos started Brazilian forward Endrick on the right wing, while Yan Diomande replaced the suspended Vinicius Junior on the left flank.
Turkish international Guler broke the deadlock in the 30th minute. He met a pass from Diomande with a first-time left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area that curled into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos helpless.
The 21-year-old midfielder continued his strong start to the campaign, bringing his league tally to two goals and three assists in nine matches.
Mbappe doubled the advantage for the hosts in the 37th minute. He received a backheel pass from Jude Bellingham before breaking into the penalty area, rounding Vlachodimos and slotting home.
Sevilla nearly pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but Thibaut Courtois produced a fine low save to deny Lucien Agoume.
Real Madrid extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Mbappe converted a penalty with a Panenka-style finish after being brought down by Andres Castrin.
The visitors reduced the deficit in the 80th minute when substitute Manu Bueno fired a left-footed shot into the far corner following an assist from Lucas Stassin.
Diomande restored the three-goal cushion just two minutes later. He raced forward after receiving a cross-field pass from Aurelien Tchouameni before smashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
The victory lifted Real Madrid to third place with 21 points from nine matches. They sit six points behind league leaders Barcelona, while Sevilla stayed sixth with 14 points.
Real Madrid will visit Barcelona for El Clasico on Sunday, Oct. 25.
