Kylian Mbappe is up and running in La Liga for Real Madrid as the Frenchman scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Real Betis.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe had struggled in La Liga after scoring on his Real Madrid debut against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. The Frenchman failed to score in his first three league games as Los Blancos' attack failed to live up to the early hype. However, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward finally broke his duck after getting on the end of a brilliant backheel from Federico Valverde and slotting past Real Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe wasn't done just yet as the Frenchman scored a late penalty to double Real Madrid's lead after Silva caught Vinicius Jr. as the Brazilian winger went through one-on-one. The 2-0 win gave Los Blancos their second La Liga win of the season to keep them in touch with rivals Barcelona, who have not dropped a single point so far.
DID YOU KNOW?
As per OptaJose, Mbappe took a total of 24 shots in La Liga action for Real Madrid before scoring his first goal. The Frenchman had eight shots on target, six off target and also had 10 shots blocked.
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?
The 25-year-old will now return to the French national team for the first time since the Euros as they look to begin their Nations League campaign with clashes against Italy and Belgium.
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