Kylian Mbappé felt a certain sense of relief after scoring his first goals in La Liga. On Sunday evening, he scored two goals for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Betis, ending a three-match goalless streak for the Frenchman.
Kylian Mbappé made a strong start to his Real Madrid career by scoring on his debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta.
However, following that promising beginning, the French forward encountered a bit of a dry spell. In his next three La Liga matches against Real Mallorca, Real Valladolid, and Las Palmas, he failed to find the back of the net. This unexpected goalless streak coincided with a slight dip in form for Real Madrid, who dropped points in two of those three games, causing some early murmurs of discontent among fans and pundits.
Despite the pressure mounting from this early-season slump, Mbappé remained positive about his time in Madrid. Speaking after Real Madrid's victory over Real Betis, where he scored two crucial goals, he expressed his contentment and gratitude for the support he had received since joining the club. "I’ve been very happy since I arrived here," Mbappé said, reflecting on his experience so far. "I receive a lot of support from the fans, even when I wasn’t scoring."
He went on to acknowledge that his brief scoring drought, although relatively short, felt significant to him. "That lasted for three matches," the 25-year-old forward continued on Spanish television. "For some, that might not seem like much, but for me, it was a lot. The club, my teammates, and the fans continued to support me, and that gave me the confidence to score these goals. I’m very happy to score in this mythical stadium, the most beautiful stadium in the world." His words highlighted his appreciation for the Santiago Bernabéu and the unique atmosphere that playing for Real Madrid offers.
However, the pressure that comes with being a superstar at one of the world's most prestigious football clubs cannot be underestimated. Even a player of Mbappé’s caliber cannot afford to go three matches without scoring without drawing attention. The whispers of criticism began to surface in Spain, reflecting the high expectations that come with wearing the famous white jersey of Real Madrid.
Addressing these criticisms, Mbappé showed maturity and understanding of the realities of playing for a top club. "The criticism doesn't surprise me," he admitted. "I came over from Paris Saint-Germain. The same applies here as it did there: if you don't win, you get criticized. That's just part of being at a big club. It didn’t bother me, and it didn’t bother my teammates either." His statement underscored his experience and resilience, showing that he is well-prepared for the challenges and scrutiny that come with playing at the highest level.
Mbappé’s recent performance against Real Betis, where he scored twice, seems to have silenced his critics for now. His goals were a reminder of why Real Madrid was so eager to secure his signature and what he can bring to the team. As the season progresses, he will be keen to maintain his form and help Real Madrid challenge for titles on all fronts. His ability to handle pressure and bounce back from a minor slump will be crucial for his success at the club and will undoubtedly endear him even more to the Real Madrid faithful.
In the broader context, Mbappé’s early days at Real Madrid reflect the challenges faced by even the most talented players when adapting to new surroundings and expectations. The scrutiny is relentless, and the margin for error is slim. Still, with his recent goals and positive attitude, Mbappé is showing that he has the character and quality to thrive in Madrid and continue building his legacy as one of the world’s best players. As he looks forward to the rest of the season, he and Real Madrid fans will hope that his goals against Betis mark the beginning of a prolific period that will lead to success both individually and for the team.
