Kylian Mbappe fails to score on Real Madrid home debut, Carlo Ancelotti backs French striker to find form in La Liga
Published 26/08/2024 at 08:36 GMT+1
Real Madrid have their first win of the new La Liga season thanks to a 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu. However, summer signing Kylian Mbappe failed to find the net for a second successive league match, with substitutes Brahim Diaz and Endrick taking the headlines. Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expects Mbappe to be among the goals soon.
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Carlo Ancelotti does not expect Kylian Mbappe’s hunt for a first La Liga goal to last too long after he blanked for a second successive match.
The French captain said it was a "dream come true" to make his first appearance at the Bernabeu as a Real Madrid player, as they beat Real Valladolid 3-0 to take their first win of the season.
Federico Valverde put the hosts ahead early in the second half, before late goals from Brahim Diaz and debutant Endrick wrapped up the victory.
However, Mbappe was largely frustrated by the Valladolid defence and was unable to open his account in the league for his new club, following his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain.
His best opportunity came in the second half but he saw a close-range effort saved well by Karl Hein.
Speaking to the press about Mbappe after the match, Ancelotti said: "He's a spectacular forward, very fast, moves well without the ball, attacks in behind.
"He had three or four chances [which were] created with his movement. In this position, he will score like he always scores.
"I don't think he needs to play from the left - in the centre, in the end he will score goals."
Ancelotti was looking for a much improved performance from his team after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca in the first game of the season.
Mbappe was replaced in the second half by Endrick, who went on to score, while fellow substitute Diaz also found the net to stake his claim for regular minutes.
With Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. to get past for a starting berth, Ancelotti has praised his squad for staying patience.
"[The substitutes] are ready, they take advantage of the minutes I give them.
"It is always complicated, like Lucas Vazquez, who is not in the line-ups, but he doesn’t stop training. It makes me a little sad, but it is my responsibility - I have to choose those who start.
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"Especially at the start of the season, with the heat, the players get tired. It has never happened in 40 years, I have to choose the freshest players on the pitch.
"The players have to have more responsibilities on the pitch - I have already spoken to them about it."
With four points from their first two games, Madrid will continue their defence of the title with a trip to Las Palmas on Thursday.
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