Mbappé: “It’s a pleasure to play with him” after the win over Girona

Real Madrid came from behind to win 3-0 at Girona thanks to outstanding performances from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler and Kylian Mbappé. After the game, the Frenchman offered a lucid analysis of the encounter, praising Madrid’s collective effort and the talent of his team-mates.

After a tricky week marked by a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid needed a strong response. And that’s exactly what Carlo Ancelotti’s men delivered in Girona on Saturday evening. Faced with a tough, well-organised team, the Merengues put in a solid performance and dominated proceedings to win 3-0. Kylian Mbappé, scorer of the final goal of the night, spoke after the game about the need to bounce back.

🏁 @GironaFC_ES 0-3 @RealMadrid
⚽ 36' @BellinghamJude
⚽ 55' @10ardaguler
⚽ 62' @KMbappe#GironaRealMadrid | @Emirates pic.twitter.com/k5MsI2bPFe

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 7, 2024

‘We knew the game was important. Girona are a very strong team at home, who keep the ball well. But we got off to a good start, scoring in the first half, and then, in the second half, we were able to close the game out with two quick goals,’ Kylian Mbappé began by saying in the mixed zone. At a time when criticism is beginning to mount, particularly of Madrid’s attack, this victory comes as a breath of fresh air. ‘I try every game to play with personality and help the team win. Tonight, we did that together, and that’s really satisfying,’ added the Bondyn native.

Mbappé impressed by Jude Bellingham

The name of Jude Bellingham is on everyone’s lips this season. The young English midfielder, already indispensable since his arrival, shone once again, opening the scoring with a clear shot in the 36th minute. As influential as ever, he also provided a brilliant assist for Arda Güler early in the second half before being forced off through injury. When asked about his team-mate’s performance, Kylian Mbappé was full of praise.

‘Incredible, a great player. It’s a pleasure to play with him here in Madrid, with such high-quality players. Jude played a great match, as did Brahim and Arda. These youngsters bring tremendous energy,’ he enthuses. Bellingham, now on 6 goals and 4 assists in La Liga, continues to prove that he is much more than just a midfielder. In the absence of key attacking players such as Vinícius and Rodrygo, he has become a veritable attacking weapon for Real.

Another highlight of the evening was Arda Güler. The young Turkish winger, often overlooked on the bench, scored his first La Liga goal of the season. Thrust deep by Bellingham, he finished with a precise shot that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance. For Mbappé, the rise of young players is crucial for the team as a whole. ‘These young talents like Arda and Brahim make a huge contribution. They’re ambitious, they dare, and that pushes the whole team to raise its game,’ says Kylian Mbappé.

Kylian Mbappé back in goal

After a difficult evening in Bilbao, where he missed a penalty, Kylian Mbappé found himself smiling again. After a difficult evening in Bilbao, where he missed a penalty, Kylian Mbappé was back in the game with a smile on his face. In the 62nd minute, he took advantage of a pinpoint pass from Luka Modric to coolly finish a powerful low shot past Paulo Gazzaniga.

‘It’s always important to score, but the most important thing is to win as a team. Tonight we showed that we’re capable of reacting and playing at a high level,’ admitted the 2018 world champion. With this goal, Mbappé takes his total to 11 goals this season in all competitions. A solid figure, even if some expect more from him.

The win moves Real Madrid to within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand on Valencia. While the season is still long in the making, this victory could mark a turning point for Los Merengues, who now need to get back to winning ways. ‘We lost the last game, but we’re ready to move forward again. These wins give us confidence for the next few games,’ concluded Real Madrid’s No9. Despite the absence of some key players, Real Madrid have once again proved that they can rely on their collective strength and their young talents. And with key players like Bellingham and Mbappé, their ambitions remain intact.