Kylian Mbappé made a highly anticipated return to Real Madrid during their 1-2 victory against Celta Vigo, two weeks after his last match. Despite facing controversy over recent rape allegations and his absence from the French national team, he scored a remarkable long-range goal. Although he had a strong start, his integration into the team still needs improvement. Looking ahead, Mbappé prepares for a demanding week, including a Champions League match and his first Clasico against FC Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappé made his much-anticipated return to the pitch with Real Madrid on Saturday, marking his first appearance in two weeks. During the international break, the 25-year-old French forward faced significant challenges, including controversy surrounding his absence from the national team and recent allegations made against him in Stockholm. However, at Celta Vigo’s Estadio Balaidos, where Real Madrid secured a narrow 2-1 victory, Mbappé appeared unfazed.
A Memorable Debut Goal
Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Mbappé before the match, saying, “He’s happy and I don’t feel him affected at all.” Mbappé seemed to validate this sentiment. He showcased his focus during the pre-game warm-up and quickly made an impact on the field.
After capitalizing on a strong press from compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappé found himself in space and unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box, curling it into the near post. Despite goalkeeper Guaita’s attempt to save it, the strike marked Mbappé’s eighth goal for Real Madrid across all competitions and his first from distance. His celebration alongside teammates was a highlight of the match.
Finding His Rhythm
While Mbappé started strong, displaying his explosive speed and eliciting excitement from the home fans on that pleasant autumn evening, he is still working on blending seamlessly into the Madrid squad. His selflessness was evident when he assisted Vinicius, who was denied a potential goal early in the second half. However, the chemistry between the two stars needs improvement.
As the match progressed, Vinicius emerged as a more prominent figure, further overshadowing Mbappé’s activity on the pitch. Despite conceding an equalizer to Celta’s Swedberg shortly after the break, Real Madrid demonstrated their resilience, ultimately clinching the win with a goal from Modric in the 66th minute.
The Upcoming Clasico
Mbappé was substituted for Ceballos late in the game after a quieter second half. He received praise from Ancelotti and his teammates upon returning to the bench. With a packed schedule ahead, including a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and an anticipated Clasico showdown against FC Barcelona on Saturday, the French forward will aim to regain his form. This high-stakes encounter presents an excellent opportunity for him to leave a lasting impression on the season.