Mbappé scores as Real Madrid move into second

MADRID, Spain:

Kylian Mbappe added to his scoring streak with a superb strike 10 minutes into a Spanish league match as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-2 yesterday to finish the year one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe sent a right-footed shot into the upper corner for his fourth goal in as many matches with Madrid in all competitions. It was Mbappe's sixth goal in his last eight games with Madrid.

Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz also scored in the comfortable home victory.

Atletico rallied to shock Barcelona 2-1 Saturday with a stoppage-time goal by Alexander Sorloth. Third-place Barcelona are two points behind Madrid, having played an extra game.

Valverde scored in the 20th and Rodrygo in the 34th before Sevilla got on the board with Isaac Romero in the 35th. Diaz extended Madrid's lead in the 53rd and Dodi Lukebakio got the visitors' other goal in the 85th at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Sevilla, sitting in 12th place, had won their last two games in all competitions.

Second-to-last Valencia salvaged a 2-2 home draw with Alaves, thanks to a goal by Dani Gomez eight minutes into second-half stoppage time after the visitors had taken the lead with Joan Jordan in the 88th.

The setback drew more protests from Valencia fans, who have been unhappy with the administration of team owner Peter Lim.

- AP