Real Madrid secures victory despite Kylian Mbappe's poor show

In a standout La Liga match on Sunday, Spanish champions Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid, though Kylian Mbappe, making his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu for the team, was unable to add to his goal tally. The game marked an important occasion for the French striker, who was debuting at home in a Real Madrid shirt, but he faced a resilient Valladolid defense that managed to limit his impact throughout the match. Real Madrid’s breakthrough came in the 50th minute when midfielder Fede Valverde scored the opening goal, providing the team with a much-needed lift. The goal set the stage for a dominant second half performance. As the game progressed, substitutes Brahim Diaz and Endrick made significant contributions by scoring late in the match, ensuring the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of Madrid’s superiority on the day.

Later in the capital, Atletico Madrid also demonstrated their prowess with a 3-0 triumph over Girona, last season’s surprise package. This win further underscored the strength of Madrid's footballing elite, as both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid showcased their ability to secure emphatic victories in their respective fixtures. Despite the lack of goals from Mbappe, Real Madrid’s overall performance was impressive, highlighting their depth and strength as they continue their campaign in La Liga.

Without the injured Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid struggled to make a significant impact in the first half against Real Valladolid, creating few clear chances before the break. However, the team showed resilience and improved their performance after halftime, ultimately securing their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory. This win came as a welcome result following their opening draw against Real Mallorca, where they had also failed to hit their stride.

Despite the positive outcome, Real Madrid's attack still appeared to lack fluency and cohesion. Carlo Ancelotti's side was unable to fully capitalize on their attacking opportunities, reflecting a need for further refinement and adjustment as the season progresses. The victory, while important, did not close the gap between Madrid and their rivals Barcelona, who had secured a win against Athletic Bilbao the previous day. As a result, Real Madrid remains two points behind Barcelona in the league standings.

The game highlighted the challenges Madrid faces without key players like Bellingham, emphasizing the need for greater consistency and effectiveness in their attacking play. As the team continues to adapt and integrate new tactics, they will be looking to build on their performance and bridge the gap to their rivals, aiming for a more fluid and dynamic approach in upcoming matches.

"We were too slow in the first half, the second half we were much more active, there was more movement, much faster with the ball," said Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti.

Real Valladolid entered their La Liga clash with Real Madrid determined to frustrate the reigning champions amid the summer heat, and they succeeded in keeping Madrid at bay for the first 45 minutes. Throughout the first half, Valladolid's disciplined and organized defensive setup thwarted Real Madrid's efforts to break through, maintaining a goalless stalemate as both teams headed into the halftime break.

The second half, however, saw a more determined Real Madrid. The team emerged with greater urgency and intensity, creating more pressure on Valladolid’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Madrid's Fede Valverde delivered a powerful low free-kick from a distance. His shot was deflected, which played a crucial role in bypassing Valladolid’s goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. This pivotal goal broke the deadlock and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Real Madrid.

Valverde’s strike was a turning point, injecting a renewed sense of confidence and energy into the Madrid side. With the deadlock broken, Real Madrid continued to press and dominate the game, eventually leading to two more goals from substitutes Brahim Diaz and debutant Endrick in the later stages of the match. Despite Valladolid's initial success in stifling the champions, Madrid's second-half resurgence ensured they walked away with a convincing 3-0 victory, showcasing their ability to adapt and overcome defensive challenges.

Kylian Mbappe had a prime opportunity to open his account for Real Madrid when Vinicius Junior delivered a precise cut-back pass. However, Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein made a sharp save to deny Mbappe. The French striker had another chance later on a counter-attack but fired his shot wide of the target. Following this missed opportunity, Mbappe was substituted by 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick.

While Mbappe made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in the UEFA Super Cup, he has yet to find the net in his first two La Liga appearances for Madrid. His inability to score in the league thus far reflects a challenging start, despite his promising debut performance in the Super Cup.