Kylian Mbappé delivered an outstanding performance at the Bernabéu, scoring three goals in a 3-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City. After a challenging start to the season marked by injuries and criticism, Mbappé demonstrated resilience and versatility, showcasing his skill as a complete striker. As Real Madrid finds its rhythm under Carlo Ancelotti, the team aims for continued success, particularly in the European Cup, with Mbappé eager to make his mark and achieve his ambitions.
Kylian Mbappé’s Stellar Performance at the Bernabéu
It took some time, but the fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu finally erupted in cheers for Kylian Mbappé. The talented footballer, who made the switch from Paris to Madrid this summer, showcased his skills in the Champions League playoff against Manchester City on Wednesday evening. After an intense collision with Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson, Mbappé not only bounced back but also scored his team’s first two goals, before adding a third shortly thereafter, leading his team to a 3-1 victory.
Mbappé’s third goal was a masterpiece—a diagonal run towards the edge of the penalty area followed by a powerful shot into the far corner. Earlier, he had dazzled fans with a skillful dribble to net the second goal, and an intelligent lob led to the first. This display of versatility demonstrated why he is considered a complete striker. His teammate Jude Bellingham summed it up perfectly: “It must be horror to defend against him.”
A Season of Challenges and Triumphs
The beginning of the season had been rocky for the new “Galactico.” After Real Madrid’s confident progression to the Champions League round of 16, Mbappé expressed his determination: “I didn’t come here to play badly.” His statement was not merely humble; it reflected the struggles he faced, including injuries and miscommunications with teammates. Even the coach, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the “complicated moment” Mbappé was going through. Criticism from former players and media only added to the pressure, with comments labeling him “not even a shadow” of his former self.
However, after missing penalties in critical matches, Mbappé turned his fortunes around, scoring consistently in the following games. “I knew I couldn’t play worse,” he said, emphasizing the need to show resilience and leadership. He came to Real Madrid with grand ambitions: “to mark an era, to write history.” His acclimatization period has officially ended, and he is ready to prove his worth.
Champions are often forged from self-reflection and persistence. Yet, Mbappé still aims to achieve success in the European Cup, a feat that eluded him at Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, his new teammates, who recently lifted the Champions League trophy, have raised the stakes. Ancelotti has been tirelessly working on the team’s dynamics, focusing on defensive solidarity that has historically been the backbone of Real’s success.
As the season progresses, Ancelotti appears to have finally found the right mix. He has relied on unexpected key players like center-back Raúl Asencio and the revitalized Dani Ceballos, whose technical skills have filled the void left by Toni Kroos. This blend of talent is bolstered by the “four fantastic” players—Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo Goes, and Bellingham—who have delivered electrifying performances, particularly against Manchester City.
Despite facing challenges in league play and scrutiny over their refereeing complaints, Real Madrid has now put doubts to rest with their recent victories. While Pep Guardiola acknowledged the quality of the current Real team, he also noted that his City squad was not performing at its best. Ancelotti reflected on the emotional growth from these playoff matches, emphasizing the importance of both defensive organization and offensive freedom for the stars. As Mbappé aims for a future that combines goal-scoring with silverware, he knows the time has come to turn aspirations into reality.