He's used to it but these days, Kylian Mbappé is a little more at the center of all attention. Or, at least, differently. For perhaps the first time in his career, the Bondynois crosses a desert where oases are as rare as they are precious. Real Madrid's trip this Wednesday (9 p.m.) to Athletic's pitch in Bilbao, in the advanced match of the 19th day of La Liga, could be one of them.
After his catastrophic performance on the Anfield pitch last Wednesday in the Champions League, Mbappé attracted as much criticism as concern. A huge champion who is accustomed to a form of impermeability to all types of bad weather, his armor has revealed cracks since the start of the season which continue to flare. Saturday, against Getafe (2-0), he got a breath of fresh air with a very nice goal and a man of the match trophy. A great way to start December, having only ended November with one small goal on the clock, on November 24 against Leganés.
Another gesture stood out to observers: the French striker offered Jude Bellingham the opening penalty in the 30th minute. A few days after failing from 11 meters against Caoimhín Kelleher, but also in light of the various “penaltygates” which have marked his career, this gift is not very usual.
“Mbappé's action on the penalty with Getafe could be seen as a sign of insecurity, but we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism and these are two very important aspects for us,” praised Carlo Ancelotti. this Tuesday, at a press conference. The altruism of a great talent like Mbappé is an act that we greatly value. »
This Wednesday evening, Real Madrid will at least need an altruistic, responsible and above all inspired Mbappé to maintain the pressure he is exerting on the leading position, held by FC Barcelona. The Catalans' defeat on Saturday, coupled with Madrid's victory on Sunday, allowed the Merengue to come back to just one point, with a match in hand (against Valencia, postponed to an indefinite date).
The Blaugranas have scored another victory since (Tuesday evening, against Mallorca) but are only four points ahead, with two games more. Despite Barça's great start to the season and the apparent worries in the White House, between the period of doubt experienced by Mbappé and the numerous injuries in Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven, Real Madrid remains Real Madrid.
