Kylian Mbappé's first La Liga goals for Real Madrid were a long time coming, but when they arrived, they came in a flurry. The French superstar scored twice in the second half, ending a three-game goal drought and propelling Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mbappé's first goal came in the 67th minute, a low left-footed shot from inside the area after a neat backheel pass by Federico Valverde. He then added to the lead by converting a 75th-minute penalty kick after a foul on Vinicius Junior.
The goals were a relief for Mbappé, who had faced increasing scrutiny for his lack of goals in La Liga. He had scored on his debut for Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta last month, but he had yet to find the net in his previous three league matches.
"The pressure I have is to adapt to the team," Mbappé said after the match. "I've scored goals all my career, I'll score goals for sure. The goals will come. Three games [without scoring] are a lot for me, but it's OK, I have the confidence of my teammates."
Madrid's victory keeps them in the title race, but they remain four points behind Barcelona, the only team to win all four matches to start the season.
The win also ended a two-game winless streak for Real Madrid. The defending champions had drawn their previous two matches, a disappointing result for a team that had high expectations for the season.
The result keeps Betis winless after three matches. Manuel Pellegrini's team had drawn its first two games.
Mbappé's Redemption
Mbappé's two goals were a testament to his talent and his ability to bounce back from adversity. He had been criticized for his slow start to the season, but he showed his class with his performance against Betis. His goals were also a sign of the confidence that he is gaining within the Real Madrid team.
The French forward's impact on the game was evident from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. He was a constant threat to the Betis defense, and his movement and passing were a constant source of danger for the opposition.
Ancelotti's Tactics
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had been criticized for his tactics in recent weeks. Some fans had questioned his team's ability to create chances, and others had suggested that he was not getting the best out of his players. However, Ancelotti showed that he can still adapt and change his tactics when necessary.
Against Betis, Ancelotti made a few key changes to his team's formation, and those changes proved to be effective. He brought on Dani Ceballos for Luka Modric in midfield, which gave Madrid more creativity and control in the middle of the park.
The changes were a sign that Ancelotti is still a world-class coach, and that he is willing to make adjustments to his team's tactics to get the best out of his players.
The Road Ahead for Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be hoping that Mbappé's goals are a sign of things to come. The French forward is one of the best players in the world, and he has the potential to be a game-changer for Real Madrid.
The team will also be looking to improve their consistency in the coming weeks. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also been inconsistent at times. If they can find a way to put together a string of strong performances, they will be a formidable force in La Liga.
The next challenge for Real Madrid will be a trip to Real Sociedad on September 14. This will be another tough test for the team, but they will be confident after their victory over Betis.
The Bernabeu's New Hero
Kylian Mbappé's name will forever be etched in the history books of Real Madrid. As he celebrated his first goals at the Santiago Bernabeu, he knew he had just started writing a new chapter in his career. It is the beginning of a journey filled with expectations and pressure, but for Mbappé, it is just the start of something special.
The Bernabéu faithful have embraced Mbappé as one of their own. His goals were met with thunderous roars, and his every touch of the ball was met with cheers. He has already won over the hearts of the Real Madrid fans, and his journey has only just begun.