Madrid, Dec 4 – After Barcelona's victory over Atlético Madrid, only the brilliance of Kylian Mbappé could save Real Madrid, and he did, with two spectacular goals and an assist.
Today, everyone is talking about Saint Mbappé at San Mamés, the legendary stadium of Athletic Bilbao, where the Frenchman planted his flag, scored two stunning goals from distance, and assisted his compatriot Eduardo Camavinga for a 3-0 win on Basque soil.
Mbappé has now scored 14 goals in 14 league matches, plus nine in the UEFA Champions League. A sublime moment for the Parisian player, probably the best in the world right now.
It is a huge relief for the questioned coach Xabi Alonso, who had dragged three draws in LaLiga and a Champions League defeat against Liverpool.
This cannot be called a cosmetic win, because this time the "white house" made their players' strength count and managed at least not to fall behind the
Blaugrana leader, who convincingly beat Atleti 3-1.
Both matches are previews, as these are the four clubs that will compete for the Spanish Super Cup next January.
After an energetic start, with a shot by Kiki stopped by goalkeeper Unai Simón, the French striker tried again and, at seven minutes, unleashed an unstoppable cannon shot for 1-0.
Camavinga headed in a goal at 42 minutes and then, another powerful shot from Mbappé sealed the 3-0 at 59.
A deep breath for the Merengues as they return home to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday and then, in the Champions League, face a train collision with Manchester City at the same venue.
German coach Hansi Flick cannot complain either, with a triumphant return to the field by Brazilian Raphinha, scoring a goal and showing much energy, along with a slight improvement from talented Lamine Yamal, and the efficiency of Dani Olmo and Ferrán Torres, the authors of the other two goals.
A halt for Diego Simeone’s troops, breaking their streak of six victories in the Spanish league, and now, on the near horizon this Saturday, facing the also struggling Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.
More discreet but very efficient, Villarreal faces the tough Getafe with the goal of maintaining third place in LaLiga, although hurt by their poor performance in the Champions League.
