"I’ve never seen anything like it on a rival pitch" - Sevilla star Jesus Navas reacts as he receives ovation from Real Madrid crowd

Sevilla legend Jesus Navas has reacted to the ovation he received from the Real Madrid crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu for his last professional appearance. The 39-year-old winger received a guard of honor from both teams ahead of kickoff on Sunday. Los Blancos captain Luka Modric gave him a signed jersey before their LaLiga clash.

While he did not start the game, Navas came onto the pitch in the 65th minute, replacing Stanis Idumbo. It was a massive moment for the legend, who made his 705th and final appearance for Sevilla. As he came onto the pitch, he was applauded by Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. About the ovation, he said afterwards (via MadridXtra):

“Bernabeu tribute? I’ve never seen anything like it on a rival pitch.”

The legendary winger decided to retire from football at the end of the year, revealing that he had struggled to endure a chronic hip injury. He spoke about his decision in an interview with Marca earlier in the season, stating (via Football Espana):

“In the end I’ve been working on this issue for three or four years and it’s complicated. I’ve handled it a little better, but this last year it’s gotten worse and it’s much harder. When I play a full game, the next day is difficult and there are days where I haven’t been able to walk.

"And then you make a decision. My teammates know my problem, they see me training. I try to control myself a little more, measure myself, but in a game you have to go all out and that impact, that jump, is where it gets worse.”

Jesus Navas is one of the best players in Spain's history, winning a record four trophies with La Roja. This included the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, the Nations League in 2023, and Euro 2024. He also won eight trophies with Sevilla, including four Europa League titles.

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Real Madrid secure impressive 4-2 win over Sevilla

In their final match of 2024, Real Madrid secured an impressive 4-2 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu (December 22). They started the game with brilliance from Kylian Mbappe, who rifled the ball into the top corner in the 10th minute, to the delight of the fans.

In the 20th minute, Federico Valverde doubled the score for Real Madrid, powering a curler from distance to beat the goalkeeper. Within another 15 minutes (34'), Rodrygo got on the end of a ruthless counter attack to put Los Blancos three goals up.

However, just one minute later (35'), Sevilla pulled one back through Isaac Romero, who met Juanlu Sanchez's perfect cross with an accurate header. The first half ended 3-1 but the goals weren't done. In the second half (53'), Brahim Diaz found the net from just outside the six-yard box.

The final goal of the game came through Dodi Lukebabio, who received a perfect through-pass from Gerard Fernandez and beat Thibaut Courtois (85'). Real Madrid had 59% of the ball, eight shots on target from 16 attempts to Sevilla's five on target from 10 attempts and 572 accurate passes with an accuracy of 90% to Sevilla's 373 accurate passes at 88%.