Kylian Mbappe finally found the back of the net for Real Madrid, scoring his first goal in five matches as the team triumphed over Leganes with a convincing 3-0 victory in La Liga on Sunday. Alongside Mbappe, midfielder Fede Valverde and young star Jude Bellingham also contributed to the scoreline, securing crucial points that moved Madrid into second place in the league, just four points behind leaders Barcelona, who had drawn against Celta Vigo the previous day. This win was particularly significant for Madrid as they prepared to face Liverpool in the Champions League, necessitating a solid performance to boost morale after two disappointing losses in their initial European fixtures.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the team’s synergy, referencing their previous 4-0 win against Osasuna as a foundation for today’s performance. Ancelotti had to adapt the lineup due to the absence of long-term injuries, including key players Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao. Nevertheless, he introduced youth into the team with the inclusion of young center-back Raul Asencio and midfielder Dani Ceballos. Thibaut Courtois’s return as goalkeeper also bolstered the team’s defensive capabilities as they faced Leganes, which had been struggling lower in the league table.
A tactical shift allowed Mbappe to thrive in a left-wing position, a change from Ancelotti’s prior strategy that primarily featured Vinicius Junior in that role. This adjustment paid off, as Mbappe scored just before halftime, effectively breaking the deadlock. Vinicius assisted him, showcasing a crucial moment stemming from defensive lapses on Leganes’s part. Prior to this goal, Mbappe had a strike disallowed for offside, illustrating his determination to contribute despite his earlier struggles that have included off-field issues and exclusion from the French national team.
The second goal came from Valverde, who was stepping in at right-back but made his mark by scoring from a free-kick in the 66th minute, illustrating his versatility and leadership as he captained the side for the first time. Although Leganes’ goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic managed to thwart another attempt from Mbappe, the Frenchman’s influence was evident as Madrid created multiple scoring opportunities. Eventually, Bellingham scored the game’s final goal, showcasing the depth and talent of Madrid’s roster, particularly with the young players finding their rhythm within the team.
Leganes’s defender Sergio Gonzalez reflected on the match, acknowledging that despite their effort, they couldn’t overcome their mishaps that permitted Madrid to capitalize on limited chances. Gonzalez lamented the mistakes that led to Madrid’s scoring opportunities, highlighting the disconnect between the effort and the outcome for his team in what was a challenging match against the champions. Ancelotti noted the team’s composure during the first half, asserting that good performances are essential for building confidence ahead of the pressure-filled Champions League encounters.
Ancelotti also praised Raul Asencio’s maturity and performance in his starting debut, emphasizing the positive signals it sends about Real Madrid’s youth academy development. This focus on youth and adaptability could be pivotal as the season progresses, particularly with mounting pressure from both domestic and European competitions. The afternoon reinforced Madrid’s intention to compete fiercely in La Liga while also preparing adequately for significant European matchups, setting the stage for an exciting period ahead for both the players and fans alike.
