‘I knew it was coming’ – Kylian Mbappé on his first goal for Real Madrid

There had been some signs of pressure for Kylian Mbappé (25) after his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. Last weekend, the Frenchman was caught after a disappointing showing against Las Palmas reading a critical article about him on Foot Mercato.

Mbappé had not yet scored for his new club after four games across all competitions. However, that would end last night when Real Madrid hosted Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu. Los Blancos would win 2-0 with Mbappé scoring both goals to send the club to second in the league (four points behind FC Barcelona).

Mbappé’s first of the night came from a pass behind the defensive line by Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde (26). His second followed Vinicius Jr. (24) being taken down in the box by Rui Silva (30). The Brazilian winger shares penalty duties with Mbappé and allowed his new teammate the chance to record his brace.

After the game, the striker denied that there had been any pressure placed on him except by himself, “I knew it was coming, it’s really a question of adaptation, of being truly settled in the collective. That’s the only pressure I have, that I put on myself.”

GFFN | Nick Hartland