La Liga Roundup: Mbappé Equals Ronaldo’s Record As Barcelona And Atletico Keep Title Pressure On

‎It was another action-packed weekend in La Liga, filled with record-breaking moments, red cards, and big wins at both ends of the table.

‎From Kylian Mbappé writing his name into Real Madrid history, to Barcelona tightening their grip at the top and Atletico Madrid cruising on the road, Spain’s top flight delivered plenty for football fans to digest.

‎Mbappé Matches Ronaldo on His Birthday

‎Kylian Mbappé unforgettably marked his 27th birthday on Saturday night, scoring his 59th goal of 2025 to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-standing Real Madrid record for most goals in a calendar year.

‎The landmark strike sealed a tense 2-0 victory over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid’s final match of the year.

‎The French forward’s milestone looked as though it might slip away until late drama arrived four minutes from time.

‎After Juanlu Sánchez fouled Rodrygo inside the penalty area, Mbappé stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, removing any remaining doubt.

‎After embracing his teammates, Mbappé paid tribute to the man whose record he had just matched.

‎He performed a restrained version of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration, leaping into the air and thrusting his arms down upon landing, before blowing a kiss toward the television cameras.

‎The moment was rich in symbolism. Mbappé’s 59 goals matched Ronaldo’s tally from 2013, a season widely regarded as one of the greatest individual campaigns in Real Madrid history.

‎“It’s incredible, in my first (full) year to do what Cristiano did,” Mbappé said afterward.

‎“He’s my idol, the best player in the history of Real Madrid.

‎“My celebration is for him. I wanted to do that because he helped me adapt here and now I can help Madrid win games with my goals. I wanted to share it with him.

‎”I have a really good relationship with him, he is my friend, and I wish him and all Madrid fans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

‎Since joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, Mbappé has been nothing short of sensational.

‎He has already scored 29 goals this season, including a league-leading 18 in La Liga, emphasizing his central role in Madrid’s title push.

‎Madrid wins, but Concerns Remain

‎Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a powerful header, but the match was far from comfortable for the hosts.

‎Sevilla defender Marcão was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a pair of rash challenges, yet even with a numerical advantage, Madrid struggled to assert full control.

‎Sevilla coach, Matías Almeyda was also dismissed during the halftime interval, reportedly for protesting a refereeing decision, further adding to the chaotic nature of the contest.

‎Despite the win, Madrid fans had reason to grumble. Sevilla repeatedly exposed gaps in the home side’s defence, with veterans Alexis Sánchez and right-back Juanlu Sánchez standing out for the visitors.

‎Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into four crucial second-half saves to deny Alexis, Isaac Romero, and Alfonso González.

‎Had Sevilla shown greater composure in front of goal early on, the result could have been very different.

‎Pressure Mounts on Alonso

‎Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has been under growing pressure following a run of inconsistent results and uninspiring performances from his star-studded squad.

‎Spanish media speculation over his future has intensified, and club president Florentino Pérez now has a two-week pause to reflect before Madrid’s next fixture against Real Betis on January 4.

‎Alonso could ill afford another slip at home after losing his previous two matches, making Mbappé’s late penalty all the more significant.

‎Barcelona Maintain Their Grip at the Top

‎Madrid’s victory still leaves them chasing league leaders Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s side continued their fine form on Sunday with a 2-0 away win over 10-man Villarreal, extending their lead to four points at the summit of La Liga.

‎Raphinha opened the scoring in the 12th minute after winning a penalty while cutting inside the box.

‎The Brazilian sent goalkeeper Luiz Junior the wrong way with a composed finish for his seventh league goal of the season and Barcelona’s 50th overall.

‎Lamine Yamal added the second in the 63rd minute, reacting quickest to a goalmouth scramble after a clever assist from Frenkie de Jong.

‎The win marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.

‎The visitors were without central defender Andreas Christensen, who suffered an ACL injury in training, while Villarreal defender Renato Veiga was sent off late in the first half for a heavy challenge from behind on Yamal.

‎Atletico Madrid Cruise Past Girona

‎Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid moved into third place with a comfortable 3-0 win away at Girona, though Diego Simeone’s side has played two games more than their closest rivals.

‎Captain Koke set the tone early, firing a superb half-volley into the top corner from outside the penalty area in the 13th minute. Jan Oblak later produced a stunning one-handed save to keep out Axel Witsel’s close-range effort.

‎Atlético doubled their lead just before halftime when Conor Gallagher’s long-range strike deflected off a defender and wrong-footed goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

‎Antoine Griezmann sealed the win in stoppage time with a moment of class, exchanging quick passes with Giacomo Raspadori before guiding a precise finish into the far corner.

‎Girona’s struggles continued, leaving them rooted in 18th place in the 20-team league.