Real Madrid moved into second spot in the La Liga table courtesy of a 4-2 success over Sevilla in Sunday afternoon's contest at Bernabeu, with Los Blancos ending 2024 on a high note.
An eventful first period produced four goals, with Real Madrid leading 3-0 in the 34th minute of the contest courtesy of efforts from Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo.
All three of the home side's goals were of a high quality, with Mbappe and Valverde both netting from outside the box, but Sevilla scored themselves before the break, with Isaac Romero heading a cross from Juanlu Sanchez into the back of the net.
Brahim Diaz made it 4-1 to Los Blancos early in the second period, with the Morocco international finding the back of the net after excellent work from the man-of-the-match Mbappe.
Sevilla did give their fans another goal to cheer late on, with Dodi Lukebakio firing into the back of the net at the end of a fast break, but it was always going to be too little, too late.
Real Madrid have moved above Barcelona into second spot in the table, just one point behind leaders Atletico, who have been exceptional in recent months.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Real Madrid's Rodrygo on December 22, 2024
Real Madrid have not had it all their own way this season - far from it - but Los Blancos have ended 2024 in second spot in the La Liga table, one point behind leaders Atletico on the same number of matches.
Ancelotti's side already have two trophies to their name this season - the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup - and it would be foolish to back against them adding to that tally next year considering the strength of their squad.
Vinicius Junior was missing against Sevilla through suspension, but Mbappe and Rodrygo were both terrific, and Sevilla simply not could deal with the capital outfit.
Real Madrid's work in the first 34 minutes of this match was ultimately enough to secure all three points against a Sevilla side that worked hard but just came up short.
Ancelotti has much to ponder, as he looks to get the best out of his forward players on a game-to-game basis, but it has been a successful end to the year for the European and Spanish champions.
REAL MADRID VS. SEVILLA HIGHLIGHTS
Kylian Mbappe goal vs. Sevilla (10th min, Real Madrid 1-0 Sevilla)
What a goal by Kylian MbappΓ© π€―
The Frenchman strikes from range to hand Real Madrid the lead against Sevilla π«π· pic.twitter.com/1l9CZwRPLz
β Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 22, 2024
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 10th minute of the contest, as Mbappe finds the back of the net with a rasping strike from outside the box - Los Blancos have lift-off here, and that was some strike.
Federico Valverde goal vs. Sevilla (20th min, Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla)
Special strike by Fede Valverde π±
The Uruguayan hammers home from range to double Real Madrid's advantage π₯ pic.twitter.com/G606b7lKSy
β Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 22, 2024
Real Madrid double their lead in the 20th minute of the contest at Bernabeu, as Valverde tries his luck from distance, and the ball ends up flying into the back of the net - another wonderful effort here.
34th min: Real Madrid 3-0 Sevilla (Rodrygo)
Los Blancos have their third of the match in the 34th minute, with Rodrygo turning a cross from Lucas Vazquez into the back of the net; Ancelotti's side have scored three high-quality goals in this contest.
35th min: Real Madrid 3-1 Sevilla (Isaac Romero)
Sevilla have a goal back shortly after conceding a third, as Romero heads an excellent cross from Juanlu Sanchez into the back of the net - the visitors have a route back into this match before the half-time break.
53rd min: Real Madrid 4-1 Sevilla (Brahim Diaz)
Real Madrid have their fourth of the match in the 53rd minute, with Diaz slotting into the back of the net following excellent work from Mbappe, who has been terrific this afternoon.
86th min: Real Madrid 4-2 Sevilla (Dodi Lukebakio)
Sevilla have their second in the 86th minute of the contest, as Lukebakio races onto a pass from Peque from finishing past Thibaut Courtois at his near post. Surely it is too late?
MAN OF THE MATCH - KYLIAN MBAPPE
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe on December 22, 2024
Mbappe has had his fair share of criticism this season, but this was a terrific afternoon for the Frenchman, who showed signs of his best form, scoring and providing an assist at Bernabeu.
The attacker found the back of the net with a brilliant effort in the 10th minute, before turning provider for Diaz early in the second half, and he was such a huge threat to Sevilla throughout the contest.
REAL MADRID VS. SEVILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Madrid 60%-40% Sevilla
Shots: Real Madrid 16-10 Sevilla
Shots on target: Real Madrid 8-5 Sevilla
Corners: Real Madrid 6-6 Sevilla
Fouls: Real Madrid 5-14 Sevilla
BEST STATS
5 - @fedeevalverde πΊπΎ has scored five goals from outside the box in all competitions for @realmadrid this season, more than any other player from Top 5 European Leagues teams. Missile. pic.twitter.com/efsRnQDubg
β OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 22, 2024
5 - @RodrygoGoes π§π· has been involved in five goals in his last three games in all competitions for @realmadriden (three goals and two assists), the same as in the rest of the season (five in 18 games). Momentum. pic.twitter.com/qBoFdXIfuY
β OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 22, 2024
Jesus Navas is on for the final appearance of his career. π’ pic.twitter.com/BJq6A8zBJc
β Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 22, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will be aiming to make it three straight wins in all competitions when they continue their La Liga campaign with a clash against Valencia at Mestalla on January 3.
Sevilla, meanwhile, will open their 2025 with a clash against Almeria in the Copa del Rey on January 4, before resuming their league season at home to Valencia on January 11.