Mbappe goal against Getafe provides ´relief´ for Madrid boss Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti expressed his delight with forward Kylian Mbappe’s performance during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday.

Mbappe netted in consecutive top-flight games for the first time since September, eight minutes after Jude Bellingham’s penalty had put Los Blancos in front.

The result moved Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of a game in hand over their Clasico rivals.

Mbappe starred in the win, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.29 to Madrid’s 2.58 total, while also having more shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (eight) than any of his team-mates.

This season, only Ante Budimir (six) has scored more home goals in LaLiga than the Frenchman (five – level with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski).

And Ancelotti was pleased with Mbappe’s display after enduring a difficult outing during Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“He was active, dangerous and scored a great goal, which was important to control the rest of the game. He was active and that’s what we want from him,” Ancelotti said.

“The fans understand better than anyone the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe after Anfield because it was the right thing to do.

“Yes, a relief for everyone because it was a spectacular goal with fantastic execution,” Ancelotti added when asked if it was a relief for Mbappe to score against Getafe.

@KMbappe #RealMadridGetafe pic.twitter.com/FOh1UjnIeu

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) December 1, 2024

The result saw Los Blancos extend their unbeaten home run against Getafe to 16 matches. Only against Racing de Santander (18 between 1952 & 1994) have they achieved a longer home winning streak in the competition.

Ancelotti was also without several of his first-team players on Sunday, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all missing.

It looked as though they had suffered another injury blow when goalscorer Bellingham was taken off at the break, though Ancelotti was confident it was nothing serious.

“Despite the difficulties, which are many because of all the injuries we are having, we are fighting and struggling,” Ancelotti said.

“We have returned to playing with concentration, spirit and attitude and that reassures me and gives me confidence.

“Little by little we will solve the problems, but in the meantime we are fighting.”

Madrid’s next assignment comes in the shape of fourth placed Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday thanks to Oihan Sancet’s brace.