Kylian Mbappe ended his scoring drought in the Spanish league with two goals in under 10 minutes, leading Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Real Betis.
As Madrid’s most significant signing in years, Mbappe had previously scored in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta last month but had yet to find the net in his first three Spanish league matches.
He broke the deadlock at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 67th minute, slotting a low left-footed shot into the net after a clever backheel assist from Federico Valverde. Mbappe then doubled Madrid’s lead in the 75th minute, converting a penalty after Vinicius Junior was fouled.
This victory marked Real Madrid’s second win of the season, moving them within four points of league leaders Barcelona, who have won all four of their matches.
Despite Madrid’s slow start, coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized there was no pressure on Mbappe to break his scoring drought. The result left Betis winless after three matches, with two draws and a loss under coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Betis introduced young Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, on loan from Barcelona, as a second-half substitute. Meanwhile, Real Madrid extended their impressive defensive record at the Bernabéu, having not conceded in their last five league matches at home, a first for the club since 1996.
Madrid also extended their unbeaten run at home to 26 league matches, with 22 wins and four draws, marking the best run under Ancelotti. Despite the win, Madrid’s five points from the first three matches represented their worst league start since the 2019-20 season, which ended with them winning the title.
Sevilla’s Struggles Continue
Sevilla’s woes deepened as they fell 2-0 at home to Girona, extending their winless run to four matches.
Ivan Martin and Abel Ruiz scored for Girona, with a goal in each half, securing their second consecutive victory. Girona now looks ahead to the Catalan derby against Barcelona in the next round.
Sevilla, who had drawn two of their first three matches away from home and suffered a home defeat to Villarreal, continue to search for their first win of the season.
Other Results
Getafe, another team still seeking a victory, played to a 0-0 draw at home against Real Sociedad. Las Palmas also remain winless after a 2-0 defeat at Alaves. Meanwhile, Osasuna edged Celta Vigo 3-2, handing Celta their second straight loss after starting the season with back-to-back wins.
