Kylian Mbappé equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a year for Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso's side claimed a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Sevilla.

Birthday boy Mbappé had to wait until the final five minutes for his opportunity from the penalty spot but made no mistake to match Ronaldo's achievement from 2013.

The 27-year-old marked the moment by performing his idol's trademark celebration and blowing a kiss.

Jude Bellingham had earlier given Real the lead to help lift a little of the pressure on the shoulders of boss Xabi Alonso and move Los Galacticos, temporarily at least, to within a point of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.

Real went into the game of the back of successive victories over Alaves and CF Talavera in the Copa Del Rey, but neither was convincing.

Dean Huijsen returned to the starting line-up, and Real had a great early chance when Fran García was played through by Bellingham in the fifth minute but Sevilla keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos produced a fine save.

There was a sense of nervousness around the Bernabeu that was not helped by some sticky moments in defence, with Isaac Romero shooting just wide.

Mbappé's first sight of goal was a shot flashed past the far post in the 17th minute but it was not enough to placate the impatient fans, who began to whistle at their team.

However, the breakthrough did arrive seven minutes before half-time, with Rodrygo picking himself up after being fouled and sending a free kick onto the head of Bellingham.

Rodrygo wanted a penalty shortly afterwards when he tumbled in the box but instead the Brazilian was booked for diving.

Protests from Sevilla boss Matias Almeyda that Rodrygo was not shown a second yellow shortly afterwards for a foul saw him dismissed in the tunnel at half-time.

Mbappé's efforts to equal Ronaldo's mark continued after the break with a run that ended with the Frenchman shooting just wide, while in the 59th minute he came even closer, sending a header against the bar.

Sevilla also looked dangerous, though, and Thibaut Courtois was grateful that Romero headed straight at him before the Belgian made an excellent save to deny Alexis Sánchez.

A Sevilla goal looked to be coming but their chances were dealt a major blow in the 68th minute when defender Marcão scythed down Bellingham and was shown a second yellow card.

Vlachodimos clawed away Rodrygo's goalbound shot but he could do nothing to stop Mbappé making it two from the penalty spot in the 86th minute after Rodrygo was taken down.

Real thought they had another penalty when Bellingham went down but the decision was overturned on a VAR review, while Courtois capped off a fine individual performance with another save from Alfon Gonzalez.