Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net, helping Real Madrid secure a decisive 3-0 victory against Leganes on Sunday, which brings them within four points of fierce rivals Barcelona, the current leaders of the Spanish league. This victory comes ahead of Madrid’s highly anticipated Champions League match against Liverpool, magnifying the excitement surrounding the team.
In addition to Mbappé’s goal, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham contributed to the scoreline, effectively narrowing the gap between Madrid and Barcelona, who faltered in their 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday, conceding two goals in the dying moments of the match.
With Madrid having one game less than Barcelona due to the postponement of their match against Valencia caused by the tragic floods in October, the title race remains intensely competitive.
Spanish superstar Vinícius Júnior played a crucial role in Madrid’s offensive strategy against Leganes, frequently drifting inside the pitch while Mbappé operated more from the flank. The French striker finally ended his scoring drought, breaking a frustrating four-match streak without a goal for the Spanish powerhouse.
“We switched their positions and the team was able to stay in control during the whole match,” Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked, emphasizing the tactical adjustments that contributed to the comprehensive victory.
Fourth-place Villarreal showed resilience by securing an equalizer in stoppage time to end their match at fifth-place Osasuna in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Ante Budimir struck twice in the opening 20 minutes for Osasuna, and Villarreal, fresh off three consecutive victories in all competitions, managed to draw level thanks to goals by Álex Baena in the 67th minute and a penalty kick converted by Gerard Moreno just three minutes into injury time.
Also on Sunday, Sevilla broke their two-game losing streak in the league with a narrow 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano, who played the entirety of the second half a man down after Unai López received a red card for a dangerous foul.
Published – November 25, 2024 03:14 am IST
How has Kylian Mbappé’s arrival impacted Real Madrid’s performance and their chances against top teams like Liverpool, according to Chris Thompson?
**Interview with Sports Analyst, Chris Thompson, on Real Madrid’s Recent Victory and Upcoming Challenges**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Chris. Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Leganes was significant, especially with Kylian Mbappé scoring. What does this victory mean for the team as they close the gap with Barcelona?
**Chris Thompson:** Thanks for having me! This win is huge for Real Madrid. Not only does it boost their confidence, but it also tightens the race for the La Liga title. Being just four points behind Barcelona, they now have a stronger belief that they can catch their rivals, especially with key players like Mbappé finding their form.
**Editor:** Speaking of Mbappé, what impact do you think he has had since joining the squad?
**Chris Thompson:** Mbappé has been exceptional. His pace and ability to find the net are game-changers for Madrid. His goal against Leganes is just another reminder of why he was such a sought-after player. He brings a level of creativity and danger that keeps defenses on their toes, which is vital as they prepare for big matches like the upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool.
**Editor:** That match against Liverpool is generating a lot of buzz. How do you see Madrid’s chances in that encounter?
**Chris Thompson:** It’s going to be a tough match. Liverpool has a potent attack and can be very unpredictable. However, if Madrid can play to their strengths, especially leveraging Mbappé’s speed and Valverde’s midfield control, they have a great chance of securing a favorable result. It’ll also be about how well they can defend against Liverpool’s pressing game.
**Editor:** With such significant matches on the horizon, what do you think is the key for Real Madrid to maintain their momentum?
**Chris Thompson:** Consistency will be crucial. They need to keep building on this win, stay injury-free, and ensure that players like Mbappé and Valverde continue to perform at a high level. Additionally, the experience of their squad in high-pressure situations will be invaluable, especially in European competitions like the Champions League.
**Editor:** Great insights, Chris! Thank you for your thoughts on Real Madrid’s current situation and what lies ahead.
**Chris Thompson:** Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Madrid fans, and I look forward to seeing how the season develops.
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This interview highlights the significance of Real Madrid’s recent performance, particularly in the context of potential title challenges and critical upcoming matches.