Kylian Mbappe has put Real Madrid back on the map in La Liga with a stellar performance, scoring two crucial goals to secure a 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Sunday. The French star, Madrid's most high-profile signing in years, broke his scoring streak in the Spanish league, igniting the team’s ambitions early in the season.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 67th minute with a low left-footed shot from inside the area, assisted by Federico Valverde’s precise backheel pass at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Just eight minutes later, he doubled the advantage by converting a penalty after Vinicius Junior was fouled, demonstrating his composure under pressure.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Real Madrid, who had only managed one win in their first three league games, despite achieving a strong performance against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final last month. This win not only boosts the team's morale but also closes the gap to leaders Barcelona, who remain undefeated after four games this season.
\"I was looking forward to scoring in this legendary stadium, the best in the world,\" Mbappe expressed. \"But the most important thing was the victory.\"
Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, praised the team’s collective effort, emphasizing that there was no pressure on Mbappe to end his scoring drought. \"For him, it was important to score, but we evaluate the work of the team as a whole, which was better than in the previous match. It was a step forward,\" Ancelotti commented.
Meanwhile, Real Betis remained winless after three games this season, with their only other points coming from draws. The match also saw young Brazilian forward Vitor Roque make an impact as a substitute for Betis, who is on loan from Barcelona.
Real Madrid continues to show strength at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 26 league games at the Bernabeu, a record that underscores their dominance under Ancelotti. However, starting the league with five points from the first three games is their worst since their title-winning campaign in 2019-20.
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Kylian Mbappe ends La Liga scoring drought for Real to beat Betis
cgtn.com
