Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace as Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Real Betis on Sunday night.
LALIGA
Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis
Date: 1 September 2024
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
Los Blancos made three changes from the draw with Las Palmas, as Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo were recalled at the expence of Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz.
Mbappe kept his spot in the side despite his struggles in the first three league games, although Carlo Ancelotti backed the Frenchman to get back to his best.
However, Los Blancos had to wait until 21st minute for a serious effort at goal when Eder Militao got on the end of Rodrygo's corner with a powerful header but his effort was kept out by Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.
That proved to the home side's only clear-cut opening in the first half as they headed into the halftime break goalless for third successive game in the Spanish top-flight.
After waves off attack in the second period, Los Blancos opened the scoring in the 66th minute when Federico Valverde's delightful flick played in Mbappe, who calmly slid the ball under Silva for his first league goal.
Carlo Ancelotti's charges were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute after Vinicius Junior was deemed to have fouled Vinicius Junior in the box. The Brazilian scored a penalty against Las Palmas, but Mbappe was allowed to take and duly dispatched to compete his brace.
That proved to be Mbappe's final involvement as he made way for Modric for the final six minutes, while Iker Losada and Juanmi were introduced for the visitors to see out the rest of the encounter.
The win takes the defending champions up to second spot on the table, three points behind arch-rivals FC Barcelona who are the only side with a perfect record this season.
