>> Spain: Real Madrid revives the title fight, Mbappé ends the dry spell
>> Spain: Real Madrid sinks in Bilbao, Mbappé misses another penalty
In the 36th minute, with the score at 0-2, the Madrid giants believed in another comeback when they scored three goals: Uruguayan Federico Valverde (38th, 2-1), Englishman Jude Bellingham (45th, 2-1). 2) and Brazilian Rodrygo (56th, 3:2). But they had to accept the equalizer in the 64th minute, scored by French defender Florian Lejeune, who received the decisive ball from local hero Isi Palazon (64th, 3:3).
Strongly challenged in Vallecas, the reigning Spanish champions (2nd, 37 points with one game behind) were unable to use the opportunity to put pressure on their arch-rivals FC Barcelona (1st, 38 points) by temporarily taking first place, before Barcelona play Leganés on Sunday December 15th (9 p.m.). This result also allows neighbors Atlético Madrid (3rd, 35 points with two games behind) to climb into second place with a win against Getafe on Sunday 15 December (2:00 p.m.).
Brazilian Vinicius Junior, rested by his coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican club Pachuca, entered the game in the 63rd minute but failed to make an impact, nor did his younger colleague Endrick and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who returned more than two weeks after suffering a left hamstring injury against Liverpool in late November.
Farewell to Navas in Seville
The 17th matchday was particularly marked by the emotional farewell of veteran Jesús Navas from Sevilla FC, who said goodbye to the fans at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán after 703 appearances for the Andalusian club and winning eight titles, including four Europa League trophies Stadium said goodbye.
Upon entering the pitch, the former Manchester City player received a lap of honor from both teams during Sevilla’s (1-0) win over Celta Vigo, before leaving the pitch crying in the 71st minute of his final home game.
A 2010 World Cup winner, Euro 2012 and 2024 winner and 2023 UEFA Nations League winner, the agile right-winger-turned-full-back will end his career as the most picked player in Sevilla FC’s history and is considered a legend of Spanish football.
Earlier in the afternoon, Girona, who were outnumbered from the 30th minute onwards, suffered their fifth defeat in the last six competitive games, losing (2-1) away to Mallorca, who temporarily climbed to fifth place and qualified for the Europa League.
Senegal
