Kylian Mbappé helped ease tensions with Real Madrid fans by scoring in the team’s 2-0 victory against Getafe in La Liga on Sunday. The win provided a much-needed boost for the French star, who has faced criticism for his performances since joining the club this season.
Mbappé found the net in the 38th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, sealing the victory after Jude Bellingham had opened the scoring with a penalty in the 30th minute. Bellingham, who has also faced scrutiny from fans, not only converted the penalty but also assisted Mbappé’s goal with a well-placed low shot from outside the area.
Prior to this match, Mbappé had scored just once in his last six appearances across all competitions, and only twice in his last nine games. “He played very well, was active and was as dangerous as always,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “He scored and created opportunities. He was very active; it’s what we want from him.” Despite his contributions, Mbappé did not take the penalty converted by Bellingham, and a second penalty that was set to be taken by Rodrygo was overturned by VAR.
“The order for the penalties is Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, but without Vinícius, it was up to Bellingham and Mbappé to choose,” Ancelotti explained.
The victory brought Real Madrid within one point of league leaders Barcelona, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday. The defending champions also have a game in hand. Madrid is now one point ahead of city rivals Atlético Madrid, who won 5-0 against Valladolid.
While Madrid has struggled in the Champions League, losing three of five matches, they have now won three consecutive league games, narrowing the gap with Barcelona, who are winless in their last three league outings. “Things have been going well in La Liga since the last defeat, but we can’t get sidetracked because this is what Real Madrid demands,” said defender Antonio Rüdiger. “We must continue and do better in the Champions League.”
In other Sunday matches, Villarreal drew 2-2 with Girona after leading 2-0, conceding an equalizer in stoppage time. Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Rayo Vallecano with two second-half goals from Oihan Sancet, while Real Sociedad defeated Real Betis 2-0 at home.
Related topics
