Repositioned on the left wing by Carlo Ancelotti, Kylian Mbappé scored a goal and won over the Madrid press in Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Leganés. It was a promising evening ahead of the Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Real Madrid showed their superiority against Leganés with an emphatic 3-0 victory on Sunday evening. While the whole team put in a solid performance, all eyes were on Kylian Mbappé. The French international, repositioned on the left wing by Carlo Ancelotti, opened the scoring thanks to a brilliant pass from Vinícius Jr. A goal that marked a satisfying evening for the Bondynois.
After the match, Mbappé made no secret of his satisfaction in front of the media. ‘I think I had a good game. I’m starting to find my feet with my team-mates. I played in a different position to the last few games. But I can play in all attacking positions,’ he declared. Playing in his preferred role on the left flank, the former Parisian showed a better understanding with his strike partners. His performance may not have been exceptional, but it was enough to convince the Madrid press.
Mbappé, the Spanish press give their verdict
Kylian Mbappé has been named Man of the Match by several Spanish media outlets. Marca, Madrid’s leading sports daily, gave him a score of 7, praising his good understanding with Vinícius Jr and his involvement in the game. Although the Brazilian only received a 6.5, other players such as Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler shone with higher ratings.
Other newspapers also acknowledged the former Parisian’s performance. The more generous El Desmarque gave him an 8, while AS praised his growing influence on Real Madrid’s attacking play. In any case, the repositioning of Mbappé on the left wing is a strategic decision that has paid off, according to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach spoke at a press conference. ‘We changed the position of the strikers a little. Mbappé stayed on the left flank, where he did well, and Vinícius inside, where he also did well. Mbappé is more used to playing on the left flank and today it was the best thing to do for the team and for him,’ said Don Carlo.
This tactical choice appears to respond to several recent criticisms of Mbappé’s use as a centre-forward, a position in which he does not feel comfortable. Ancelotti also highlighted the progress made in the automatic link-up between Mbappé and Vinícius, a promising partnership for Real Madrid. ‘Little by little, they’re both improving,’ added the Madrid coach, who is already focused on Real Madrid’s next big challenge: a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Form to be confirmed in the Champions League
With victory in La Liga and an encouraging performance from Mbappé, Real Madrid head into their European clash with Liverpool in confident mood. But the question remains: will this repositioning on the left wing be a lasting solution or simply an adaptation for this match?
What is certain is that the combination of Vinícius Jr and Mbappé will be closely watched, especially against a Liverpool side renowned for its defensive rigour. Real Madrid, in search of their 15th Champions League title, will need their two attacking stars at the top of their game. Stay tuned!
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