French diving star Kylian Mbappe has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal record from his debut season at Real Madrid when he scored two goals in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Leganés at the Bernabéu.
The Frenchman opened with a penalty, before later slotting in a precise free-kick to secure three important points for Real Madrid.
Read: Real Madrid reportedly willing to break record signing of Cristiano Ronaldo to secure captain Bruno Fernandes
Real Madrid now have equal points at the top of La Liga before Barcelona later today host Girona at the temporary home stadium Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
With these goals, Mbappe now has 33 goals in 45 appearances for Real Madrid this season – the same as Ronaldo achieved in his first season (2009/10), although the Portuguese only made 35 appearances at the time.
Mbappe chases Zamorano’s record
Mbappe is now tied for second on the list of most goals in a debut season for Real Madrid, along with Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
At the top is still Iván Zamorano, who scored 37 goals in 45 games in his first season (1992/93). With Mbappe’s current form and the fact that he gets “all the penalties”, it is quite possible that he will break this record.
Read: Insists on not having spoken to anyone from Real Madrid despite recently spending time in Spain
Ancelotti praises Mbappe’s adaptation
After the game, Ancelotti told reporters:
– “He is much more active and involved in the game. He has adapted very well and is making a difference. That’s what we want from him. He tried the free kick yesterday and it went well. He was very efficient. We put our trust in Him today.”
Mbappe’s own words: “Very special”
Mbappe himself stated after the game:
– “A difficult game. After the international break, it’s always challenging because you get into rhythm on the club team, and then you go on national team assignments. But we know what we always have to do: win.”
– “We started strong and scored the first goal. Then we played poorly and conceded two goals, but we knew that if we played well, we could score two more. In the second half, we did just that and won the game. We are really pleased.”
On matching Ronaldo’s 33-goal season, he said:
– “It’s very special. The most important thing is what you achieve with the team, but to have as many goals as Cristiano is always good. We know what he means to Real Madrid – and to me. We always talk, and he gives me a lot of advice. But as I always say: we have to win trophies.”
Ancelotti: “We have to suffer to win”
Ancelotti also praised the team for fighting through a tough game, which saw them catch up with Barcelona in the table.
– “We didn’t play a bad game. We had good control, but lacked balance, and therefore we conceded two deserved goals. We could have handled the lead better and suffered too much. After the international break, it happens often, but we struggled to find the rhythm.”
“We weren’t well enough positioned, but we had the intensity because we came from behind – and in the end we won. The important thing is that we all suffer and sacrifice ourselves. There are no easy games, and we are fully aware of that. We have to suffer to win.”
Real Madrid’s focus now shifts to the Copa del Rey, where they face Real Sociedad in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
Read on Popidol: New satirical series about modern Hollywood
Sources: AS, Marca, Real Madrid CF
