Kylian Mbappe, the man with the golden touch, finally found his rhythm in La Liga, putting an end to the whispers of doubt surrounding his start at Real Madrid. In a much-anticipated match against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe scored twice, leading his team to a 2-0 victory and securing their position as second in the table. After a slow start in the league, the French superstar answered his critics in the best way possible—by doing what he does best: scoring goals.
The Pressure Mounts on Mbappe
Since his arrival at Real Madrid, expectations have been sky-high for Kylian Mbappe. Known for his extraordinary pace, dribbling skills, and lethal finishing, Mbappe was seen as the perfect addition to a Madrid squad eager to reclaim its dominance in both domestic and European competitions. However, his first few appearances in La Liga were anything but stellar. Despite scoring in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta, Mbappe failed to find the net in Madrid’s opening three league games, drawing criticism from the Spanish press.
The pressure was palpable as fans and pundits alike began to question whether Mbappe could adapt to the demands of La Liga. Could this be a repeat of other big-money transfers that fizzled under the bright lights of the Bernabeu? The stage was set for Mbappe to prove his doubters wrong.
The Breakthrough: Mbappe’s First La Liga Goals
In the 67th minute, after a series of missed opportunities, Mbappe finally broke through. Fede Valverde, showcasing his own brilliance, delivered a perfectly-timed back-heel pass that split the Betis defense wide open. Mbappe, showing the composure and precision that has made him one of the world’s best, swept the ball past the Betis goalkeeper with his left foot. The Santiago Bernabeu erupted in cheers as the Frenchman celebrated his first La Liga goal.
But Mbappe wasn’t finished. Just eight minutes later, he doubled Madrid’s lead from the penalty spot, coolly converting after Vinicius Júnior was brought down in the box. The relief and joy on Mbappe’s face were evident as he was cheered off the field when replaced by Luka Modric in the 84th minute.
Ancelotti’s Confidence in Mbappe
Following the match, Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti was quick to defend his star player. “It’s true that he hasn’t scored, but he’s playing very well and has been very dangerous every time,” Ancelotti said, dismissing concerns about Mbappe’s early performances. The Italian maestro pointed to his team’s overall lack of balance rather than any issues with Mbappe’s adaptation to Spanish football.
Ancelotti’s faith in Mbappe is well-placed. Despite the initial slow start, the 24-year-old forward has the potential to become a legend at Real Madrid. His ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in this match, is what sets him apart from other players.
Real Madrid’s Position in La Liga
With this victory, Real Madrid now sits second in the La Liga standings with eight points, trailing early leaders Barcelona by four points. Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, has been in scintillating form, most recently thrashing Real Valladolid 7-0. Real Madrid, however, remains a strong contender, and with Mbappe finding his footing, the battle for the title is far from over.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are close behind, both also on eight points. Girona, after picking up their second win of the season in Seville, rounds out the top five. The race for La Liga supremacy is heating up, and with Mbappe back in form, Real Madrid looks poised to challenge their rivals.
FAQs
Mbappe scored his first La Liga goal against Real Betis in the 67th minute, followed by a second goal from the penalty spot eight minutes later.
Mbappe had a slow start, failing to score in his first three La Liga games, but he silenced critics with a brace against Real Betis.
Ancelotti defended Mbappe, stating that he has been playing well and remains a dangerous player for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is currently second in the La Liga standings with eight points, four points behind leaders Barcelona.
With Mbappe finding his form, Real Madrid looks to continue their push for the La Liga title, with tough challenges ahead as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappe’s performance against Real Betis was more than just a personal triumph; it was a statement of intent. After a shaky start to his La Liga career, the French forward has proven that he has the resilience and skill to succeed in Spain’s top league. With his first two La Liga goals now under his belt, Mbappe has silenced his critics and shown that he is ready to lead Real Madrid to glory.
As Real Madrid continues their pursuit of the La Liga title, one thing is clear: with Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, they are a force to be reckoned with. The season is long, and the challenges ahead are many, but if Mbappe can maintain this level of performance, his debut season in Spain could end with more than just individual accolades—it could end with Real Madrid lifting another league trophy.
