Kylian Mbappe eased Real Madrid fans’ frustrations, the French star scoring in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday to move them closer to the top of La Liga.
Kylian Mbappe scored the winning goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe.
Mbappe has been criticised by some fans for his disappointing performances since joining the Spanish and European champions this season. The Frenchman had a poor outing – including a missed penalty – in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool. But Mbappe has found his scoring touch again, netting in the 38th minute to seal Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“He played very well, as always, aggressive and dangerous,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Kylian scored and created chances. He was very aggressive, which is what we want from him. It was a relief, yes! When it is 2-0, you have more chances to win… It was a spectacular goal, a great goal. Mbappe played very well. The fans know better than anyone else the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe, which is fair.”
Earlier, Jude Bellingham, who has also been criticised for his recent poor form, had put Real Madrid ahead with a penalty in the 30th minute. He also assisted Mbappe’s goal – who could have scored more than one goal in the game had he taken the spot-kick. Mbappe is still not at his best and did not take the penalty that Bellingham took. Another penalty – which was ruled out by VAR – was taken by Rodrygo. “The order of penalties is Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, but without Vinicius it will be Bellingham and Mbappe who will decide,” said Ancelotti.
Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid the lead from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.
The win moves Real Madrid within a point of leaders Barcelona, who suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday. Real Madrid, the reigning La Liga champions, have a game in hand. Real Madrid are also one point clear of cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid, who won 5-0 at Valladolid on Saturday. Real Madrid travel to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Wednesday, and then Girona on Saturday, before returning to Champions League action at Atalanta.
Real Madrid have lost three of their five Champions League games, but have won three in a row in La Liga to close the gap on Barca, who have failed to win in three. “Things have been going well in La Liga since the last defeat, but we can’t be distracted because that’s what Real Madrid are asking for,” said defender Antonio Rudiger. “We have to continue and do better in the Champions League.”
Also on Sunday, Villarreal drew 2-2 with Girona after leading 2-0, conceding seven minutes into stoppage time. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao came from behind to win 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a second-half double from Oihan Sancet. Athletic’s old Basque rivals Real Sociedad beat Real Betis 2-0 at home.