Mbappe double helps Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-1 at Bernabeu ahead of El Clasico

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, October 18, 2026, closing the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona to six points a week before the rivals meet. The victory moved Real closer to the summit and came in the build-up to next Sunday's high-profile fixture against Barcelona.

Real climbed to third on 21 points, one behind Atletico Madrid, while Sevilla sit sixth on 14. The result extended Real's winning run to three straight matches in all competitions following the international break. Vinicius Jr was absent through suspension, and Arda Guler again played a key role in Real's attacking play.

After a stale opening, Guler sparked the match, with Sevilla appealing for a red card following an incident involving Guler and Peque Fernandez. Guler then collected a Yan Diomande pass and arrowed a shot into the top corner to give Real the lead. Mbappe doubled Real's advantage in the 37th minute, turning brilliantly to burst through on goal before calmly beating Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Fede Valverde, restored to right back by coach Jose Mourinho, made a crucial block to deny Felix Correia just before the hour as Sevilla pushed for a way back into the game. Yan Diomande exploited the space created by Sevilla’s more adventurous approach, evading his marker and sending Mbappe in behind the defence. Andres Castrin brought down Mbappe, who got to his feet to convert the resulting penalty and effectively settle the contest.

Substitute Manu Bueno reduced Sevilla’s deficit with a composed finish 10 minutes from time after Mbappe surrendered possession deep inside his own half. Two minutes later Diomande restored Real's three-goal lead with a thunderous strike, capping what the report described as a fine display from the Ivorian.

Elsewhere in LaLiga, Osasuna withstood second-half pressure from Racing Santander to win 2-0 in Jagoba Arrasate's first game back as manager. Celta Vigo beat Alaves 2-1 after two flying saves from Ionut Radu denied Alaves a point, and Real Sociedad won 5-2 at Malaga.

Eder Militao received a warm ovation when he came on in the 85th minute for his first appearance since undergoing hamstring surgery in April. Mourinho will take encouragement from one of the most complete performances of his second spell at Real as they prepare for next Sunday's pivotal meeting with Barcelona.