Real Madrid’s big summer signing finally announced himself to LaLiga after providing a 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.
Scorer: Mbappé 67′, 75′ (P)
Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced early criticism after dropping points in their first few games, coupled with Kylian Mbappé failing to deliver. But perhaps that has now all been turned around.
Real Betis proved a formidable side at the Santiago Bernabeu, somehow keeping Madrid’s star talent quiet. Last-ditch tackles or timely blocks prevented Los Blancos from breaking the deadlock despite 13 shots in the first half.
Without a goal in his first three LaLiga games, more pressure mounted on Mbappé. Team-mates Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, amongst others, continued to serve the ball on a platter for the new No. 9.
But then, it finally happened. Federico Valverde pulled off a slick through ball via a tricky back-heel and Mbappé was left one-on-one against goalkeeper Rui Silva. He made no mistake on his total 25th-shot attempt to find the back of the net.
And after some 333 minutes of waiting for his first goal, the second arrived eight minutes later.
Silva took down Vinicius Junior in the box and VAR awarded a penalty. The Brazilian allowed his new teammate to step up and it goes down as the first brace in the white kit for Mbappé.
Unfortunately for Real Betis, their two shots on target were not enough to spoil the party. They sit 17th in LaLiga without a win so far, while Madrid move tied for second sitting four points behind Barcelona.