Mbappe scores as Real Madrid narrow gap with Barcelona in La Liga

Kylian Mbappe ended a five-game goalless run to score a crucial goal that propelled Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Leganes in La Liga, moving them within four points of league leaders Barcelona. Other goals from Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham added to the tally as they dominated Leganes to come out top and capitalize on Barcelona's draw against Celta Vigo.

Madrid, missing several key players, showed resilience under Carlo Ancelotti's tactical adjustments. Mbappe started on the left wing, his preferred position, while Vinicius Jr. shifted centrally, a move that paid off in the hindsight of the match. The French star broke the deadlock just before halftime, converting Vinicius' assist after Leganes' defense failed to present an obstacle.

Post the 3-0 win, Ancelotti seemed to praise his team's performance. "Mbappe's positioning worked well, as did Vinícius playing inside," Ancelotti noted. He seemed to single out younger players such as Arda Guler and debutant centre-back Raul Asencio for special mention.

Mbappe, who had external off-field issues and was not included in the last France squad, seemed rejuvenated with his second goal in eight for Madrid. The game was in the 66th minute when Federico Valverde, wearing the captain's armband, played out of position at right-back, and doubled Madrid's lead with a powerful strike from a free-kick.

Of course, that seal was in the bag when Bellingham scored his second goal of the season, quickly reacting to a rebound off a Brahim Diaz deflected shot. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also returned to action, further strengthening the squad as they prepare for a vital Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield.

Mbappe gets backing amid dreadful start

Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid has proved to be challenging, but club president Florentino Perez sounds optimistic about the forward. Mbappe's early days in the Santiago Bernabeu have been one that consists of ups and downs, such as his disappointing debut game in El Clasico in a 4-0 shellacking from Barcelona and successive 3-1 defeat against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

In a public statement by Perez, he promised to support the French star. "Mbappe's arrival was the most momentous occasion, and his commitment to joining Madrid despite challenges speaks volumes about his character, " Perez stated.