Kylian Mbappe’s two second-half goals gave Real Madrid a hard-fought 2-0 win over Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday.Madrid maintained control of the ball but struggled against Betis’ well-organized defence, eventually managing to break the deadlock in the 67th minute
Mbappe scored his first La Liga goal with a close-range effort from a superb back-heel pass by midfielder Federico Valverde, and the forward added another soon after
The France captain secured all three points from the penalty spot eight minutes later after Vinicius Junior was fouled inside the box by goalkeeper Rui Silva
Madrid move up to second place with eight points, four behind leader Barcelona, while Betis are 17th with two points.
Data debrief: Mbappe’s wait proved worth it
Expectations are high for Mbappe following his move to the Spanish capital from Paris Saint-Germain this season, with the French forward having failed to score in his first three league games.
Before this encounter, Mbappe had attempted the most shots (17) in Europe’s top five leagues this season, and had the worst difference between expected goals (1.8 xG) and goals scored (none).
Yet the World Cup-winning forward silenced his doubters here, firing nine shots in a one-sided effort to demolish Betis.
However, it paid off, as his two superb finishes ensured a much-needed win and made Madrid unbeaten in 26 home matches in La Liga (22 wins and 4 draws), their best run in 11 years (34 between January 2012 and September 2013).
Without Mbappe, Madrid have not conceded a goal in their last five La Liga games at home for the first time in the competition since October 1996.
The combination of Mbappe and Carlo Ancelotti’s strong defense could make the difference in winning two consecutive La Liga titles by the end of the campaign.