Kylian Mbappé, although after the match he assured that the important thing was to win, showed that hunger for a record in a gesture after not receiving a ball from Jude Bellingham in the first half. He was close to scoring in the 17th, 18th, 48th, 51st (twice), 55th and 57th minutes… and it was only in the 86th minute that he achieved the long-awaited record. Rodrygo forced a penalty that Mbappé converted to celebrate his 59th goal, imitating his idol Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'siu' celebration at the Bernabéu. He saw it almost surpassed him on three occasions, but a penalty awarded for a foul by Oso on Bellingham in the 89th minute was cancelled by the referee after a VAR review. With space as Sevilla pushed forward, Mbappé earned a spot to face the goal on his own, but Rodrygo, carrying the ball down the left flank, did not see him and when he reached the edge of the area, he passed back. Mbappé, who turned 27 this past Saturday, December 20th, came close to the record, and since joining Real Madrid, he has scored 73 goals and 10 assists in 83 matches. That is, a goal contribution per game. He scored two goals that were ultimately key to advancing to the next round (2-3). Mbappé closed the gap with Cristiano, and this Saturday's match against Sevilla was his last chance. From a photo with the Portuguese star in 2012 during a visit by the Frenchman to Ciudad Deportiva de Valdebebas, to ending up playing in the club where he made history to chase his numbers and equal one of his milestones—the record for goals in a calendar year. Mbappé scored two goals in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Sevilla, a result that helps the white side put pressure on league leaders Barcelona, who have a one-point lead but could extend it this Sunday when they face Villarreal away. Mbappé reached Cristiano Ronaldo's 59 goals in 2013. His starting role and a full match against Talavera, of the third tier of Spanish football, in the Copa del Rey last 16 were a testament to this. The French Kylian Mbappé equaled one of his idol's records: that of Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo. Güler, his best partner this season, who has given him seven assists, tried to find him, even when Mbappé wasn't the best option, with great determination. The Portuguese achieved it in 50 matches, while the Frenchman needed 58. The Frenchman chased it to the very end. Additionally, in the 94th minute, VAR reviewed whether a foul on Rodrygo was inside or outside the area; it was finally ruled outside, and Kylian sent his shot over the bar. And the last chance came in the final play of the match. Sometimes, he was even anxious to score that goal that would equal 'CR7'. Mbappé tried with up to seven shots before scoring the long-awaited goal, but beyond hitting the crossbar in the 57th minute, he couldn't connect accurately with the ball to create a real threat. His teammates looked for him, and he constantly asked for the ball. He was active, but inaccurate.
