Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Saturday, with Vinicius Jr scoring the decisive goal after Kylian Mbappe returned to the starting line-up.
Mbappe, who was whistled by sections of Real supporters during the recent win over Real Oviedo, made an immediate impact after being restored to the side by Alvaro Arbeloa.
The French forward was involved in the move that produced the winning goal in the 15th minute. Mbappe controlled the ball on his chest before being tackled, but the loose ball fell kindly for Vinicius Jr, who finished from close range to hand Real Madrid the lead.
The goal proved enough for Real to claim consecutive league victories for the first time since March and maintain second place in La Liga heading into the final weekend of the season.
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Sevilla had started the game strongly as they continued their push to avoid slipping further down the table while still holding slim hopes of European qualification.
The hosts threatened early through Oso, whose long-range effort forced Thibaut Courtois into a save inside the opening five minutes.
Oso continued to trouble the Real defence moments later when he beat Dani Carvajal on the left flank before sending a low cross into the area towards Akor Adams.
Despite Sevilla’s bright opening, Real Madrid settled after taking the lead and nearly doubled their advantage before halftime.
Mbappe came close when he cut in from the left and curled an effort narrowly wide, while Aurelien Tchouameni failed to convert from close range after being picked out by a backheel flick from the French forward.
Sevilla pushed for an equaliser in the second half and almost found one through substitute Alexis Sanchez, but the former Barcelona forward failed to connect properly with Jose Angel Carmona’s delivery.
Mbappe also thought he had added a second goal late in the game after finishing from inside the box, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The victory leaves Real Madrid unbeaten in their last 27 La Liga matches when scoring first, while Sevilla dropped to 13th place ahead of their final game of the campaign.
