Kylian Mbappé has registered for LaLiga with a brace. Despite all the criticism beforehand, the Frenchman always feels loved in Madrid.
8 shots wide, 6 on target and 10 blocked attempts: Kylian Mbappé’s road to his first league goal for Real Madrid was a long, rocky one. The personified French goal machine languished for three games. “For many people that’s not a lot, but for me it’s a lot,” said the 25-year-old.
The typically critical Spanish media did not spare the world’s most valuable footballer. “There is something wrong with Mbappé,” wrote the Markdie AS claimed that the Frenchman had “landed back on earth” in Madrid.
Fans love Mbappé anyway
Mbappé’s 25th shot in the Spanish championship brought salvation on Sunday: After a wonderful pass from Federico Valverde, he coolly converted to make it 1-0 against Betis Sevilla. Just eight minutes later, the striker doubled the lead and made it 2-0 with a penalty, ensuring that the Madrilenians, who had started off in a mixed fashion, climbed to second place in the LaLiga table.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was also satisfied with the performance of his newest protégé. “He worked very well. The goal is certainly important for him, but I’m more judging the team’s collective performance, which was much better than last time.” It was important for the Italian to stress: “I didn’t put him under any pressure to score goals.”
Mbappé himself confirmed after his brace against Real Totalthat the support is there: “People give me a lot of love. They did that even when I didn’t score.”
