Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis: Mbappe off the mark in LaLiga with double

Kylian Mbappe’s second-half brace powered Real Madrid to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Real Betis in Sunday’s LaLiga clash.

Madrid controlled possession but struggled against a well-organised Betis defence until they finally managed to break the deadlock in the 67th minute.

Mbappe struck his first goal in LaLiga with a close-range effort from a brilliant back-heel pass by midfielder Federico Valverde, and the forward would soon add to his account shortly after.

The France captain secured all three points eight minutes later from the penalty spot after Vinicius Junior was fouled inside the box by goalkeeper Rui Silva.

Madrid moved to second in the standings with eight points, four behind leaders Barcelona, while Betis are 17th on two.

MAGNIFIQUE, @KMbappe. pic.twitter.com/jd2pIZw4k4

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

Data Debrief: Mbappe’s wait proves worthwhile

The expectations remain high on Mbappe following his headline move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital this season, with the France forward failing to score in his first three league games.

Heading into this fixture, Mbappe had attempted the most shots this season (17) across Europe’s top five leagues, and had the worst difference between expected goals (1.8 xG) and goals scored (none).

Yet the World Cup-winning forward quietened his doubters here, firing nine shots across a one-man attempt to break down Betis.

That paid dividends, however, with his two clinical finishes securing a much-needed victory, and moving Madrid to 26 home games in LaLiga unbeaten (W22 D4), their best run in 11 years (34 between January 2012 and September 2013).

Away from Mbappe, at the back, Madrid have also not conceded in their last five LaLiga games at home for the first time in the competition since October 1996.

Mbappe, coupled with Carlo Ancelotti’s well-drilled defence, could be the difference for back-to-back LaLiga crowns by the end of the campaign.

24 – Kylian Mbappé before his first goal in @LaLigaEN for @realmadriden

Shots on target 8
↗Shots off target 6
Blocked shots 10
Hit woodwork 0

Opener. #RealMadridRealBetis pic.twitter.com/7HZwhJ06r1

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 1, 2024