“2024 has been fantastic, unforgettable, and I believe we can see a repeat of it if we’re all able to deliver our best,” said the Italian.
Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored long-range stunners as Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep up the pressure on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
First-half strikes from Mbappe, Valverde, and Rodrygo put Los Blancos in control, before Brahim Diaz finished a fine team move shortly after the break to put the result beyond the visitors.
Sevilla captain Jesus Navas, 39, came off the bench to make the final appearance of his career, bringing an emotional end to his 20-year connection with the club. He is retiring mid-season due to a chronic hip injury.
Madrid took the lead in the 10th minute through Mbappe, who beat Alvaro Fernandez with a dipping 25-yard strike at the end of a swift counter-attack.
Ten minutes later, Valverde doubled the lead with his own stunning effort from 30 yards following a Madrid corner.
Rodrygo swept home a Lucas Vazquez cut-back in the 34th minute to hammer home Madrid’s dominance, although Sevilla immediately pulled a goal back when Isaac Romero headed home Juanlu Sanchez’s cross from close range.
Mbappe turned provider eight minutes after the restart when he slipped in Brahim behind the visiting defense to lift a finish over the goalkeeper, before the Bernabeu rose to applaud Navas onto the field.
The Spaniard—the only player in history to win the World Cup, European Championship, and UEFA Nations League—made his 705th appearance for Sevilla, exactly 20 years to the day since he first played at the Bernabeu.
Navas, who also played at Manchester City, almost instantly provided an assist but Isaac’s low strike rebounded off the foot of the post.
Dodi Lukebakio beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post to pull another goal back for Sevilla five minutes from time.
A 19th victory in their last 20 home games against Sevilla helped Madrid leapfrog Barcelona into second place in the table, two points ahead of their arch-rivals with a game in hand—and a point behind neighbors Atletico.
Barcelona conceded in the 96th minute to lose 2-1 to Atletico on Saturday and have now won just two of their eight league games since thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in October.
