Kylian Mbappé finally made a significant impact in La Liga, scoring his first goals for Real Madrid in a 2-0 victory over Real Betis.
After a slow start to his Real Madrid career, Mbappé silenced his critics with a brace that not only secured the win but also marked his arrival in the Spanish top flight.
This match, held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu, showcased Mbappé’s potential to become a pivotal player for Los Blancos and endeared himself to the fans as you will expect from a Galactico signing.
A First Half of Frustration
The first half of Real Madrid’s clash against Real Betis was far from impressive for the reigning Spanish and European champions.
Despite their recent success in the UEFA Super Cup, Real Madrid has struggled to meet expectations in La Liga, leading to doubts about their ability to secure the league title this season.
These doubts have been reflected in the odds published on most recommended betting sites, which have seen Madrid’s odds of winning the league range between -150 to -200.
The match itself was a tense and frustrating affair, with both teams unable to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes.
Real Madrid dominated possession, but their efforts were repeatedly stifled by a resilient Betis defense.
Kylian Mbappé, who had been under pressure to score after a goal drought in his initial La Liga appearances, found himself with several opportunities that either went wide or were saved.
The goalless first half only served to heighten the anxiety among Madrid fans, who were left wondering if their star signing would finally manage to break his La Liga duck.
Breaking the Deadlock: Mbappé’s First Goal
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute, and it was a moment of pure class from both Mbappé and his teammate Federico Valverde.
Valverde’s clever backheel assist set up Mbappé perfectly, allowing the Frenchman to calmly slot the ball past the Betis goalkeeper with his left foot.
This goal was a huge relief for Mbappé, who had been under intense scrutiny after failing to score in his first three La Liga appearances.
The Santiago Bernabéu erupted in celebration, as Mbappé finally opened his La Liga account, reminding fans why he was a constant in the Ligue 1 team of the season rankings.
Doubling the Lead: Mbappé’s Penalty
Just eight minutes later, Mbappé was on the scoresheet again, this time from the penalty spot.
The opportunity arose after a VAR review confirmed a handball in the Betis penalty area.
In a gesture of sportsmanship, Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid’s usual penalty taker, allowed Mbappé to take the kick.
Mbappé made no mistake, confidently converting the penalty to give Real Madrid a 2-0 lead.
This second goal not only secured the victory but also marked a perfect response to his critics, proving that he could handle the pressure at Real Madrid.
A Standing Ovation: Mbappé’s Impact Recognized
Mbappé’s performance was capped off with a standing ovation from the Bernabéu faithful when he was substituted in the 84th minute.
This moment highlighted the appreciation of the Madrid fans, who had been eagerly waiting for their new star to shine.
Mbappé’s brace was not just about scoring goals; it was a statement of intent and a sign of what’s to come as he continues to adapt to life in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s Praise: A Team Effort
After the match, Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was full of praise for Mbappé, emphasizing that the team never put undue pressure on him to score.
Ancelotti noted that while Mbappé’s goals were crucial, his overall contribution to the team’s play was just as important.
The Italian manager also praised the entire team for their improved performance, which was much more cohesive and supportive compared to previous games.
The Road Ahead: Building on Momentum
This victory lifted Real Madrid to second place in La Liga, just four points behind early leaders Barcelona.
The international break now offers Mbappé and his teammates a chance to regroup and build on this momentum.
With his first La Liga goals under his belt, Mbappé will be looking to continue his scoring form when Madrid faces Real Sociedad in their next match.
This brace against Betis could very well be the turning point in Mbappé’s season, as he looks to establish himself as one of La Liga’s top talents.
Mbappé’s Arrival in La Liga
Kylian Mbappé’s brace against Real Betis was more than just two goals; it was a statement that he has arrived in La Liga and is ready to lead Real Madrid to success after his tumultuous free transfer.
After a slow start, Mbappé has shown that he can rise to the occasion, and his performance against Betis is likely just the beginning of what could be a stellar career in Spain.
As Real Madrid continues their campaign, all eyes will be on Mbappé to see how he builds on this breakthrough performance.
