Real Madrid secured their first La Liga win of the season with a 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu. Despite the team’s success, Kylian Mbappe failure to score for the second consecutive league match. Instead, substitutes Brahim Diaz and Endrick stole the spotlight. However, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident that Mbappe will soon find his scoring form.
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer, described playing at the Bernabeu as a “dream come true.” He made his home debut in the match but was unable to break through Valladolid’s defense. Federico Valverde opened the scoring early in the second half, and late goals from Brahim Diaz and debutant Endrick secured the victory.
Mbappe struggled to find the net, facing a well-organized Valladolid defense. His best chance came in the second half, but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Karl Hein. Despite these challenges, Ancelotti praised Mbappe’s abilities, emphasizing the striker’s speed and off-the-ball movement. The manager believes that Mbappe’s positioning will lead to goals soon.
Ancelotti addressed the media after the match, stating, “Mbappe is a spectacular forward. He’s fast, moves well without the ball, and attacks behind the defense. He had three or four chances created with his movement. In this position, he will score as he always does.”
The match followed a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in Madrid’s season opener, where Ancelotti had called for an improved performance. Mbappe was substituted in the second half, with Endrick replacing him and scoring a goal. Brahim Diaz, another substitute, also found the net, making a strong case for more playing time.
Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge of managing a squad with talents like Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr. vying for starting positions. He praised the substitutes for their readiness and the patience they have shown. “The substitutes are ready. They take advantage of the minutes I give them,” Ancelotti said. He also expressed the difficulty in making lineup decisions, particularly with players like Lucas Vazquez, who consistently train hard despite not starting.
Ancelotti emphasized the need for his players to take more responsibility on the pitch. With four points from their first two games, Real Madrid will continue their title defense with an upcoming trip to Las Palmas on Thursday.
