Kylian Mbappé made a significant impact by scoring a goal, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 3-0 victory over Leganes on Sunday. This win propelled Madrid within striking distance of the Spanish league leader, Barcelona, now trailing by only four points as they gear up for a highly anticipated Champions League clash against Liverpool.
In addition to Mbappé’s contribution, Federico Valverde and rising star Jude Bellingham also found the back of the net, helping to close the gap on Barcelona. The Catalans had a disappointing weekend after conceding two late goals, resulting in a tense 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Real Madrid currently holds the advantage of having played one game less than Barcelona, due to a postponed match against Valencia that was affected by the deadly floods in October.
Madrid’s offensive strategy proved effective against Leganes, with Vinícius Júnior taking on a more central role while Mbappé operated primarily from the flank. Notably, this goal marked the end of a four-game drought for the French striker, who had been searching for his form with the Spanish powerhouse.
“We switched their positions, and the team was able to maintain control throughout the entire match,” remarked Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting the tactical adjustments that contributed to their success.
Villarreal recovers late
In an intense encounter, fourth-place Villarreal fought back to secure an equalizer during stoppage time, salvaging a 2-2 draw against fifth-place Osasuna in a thrilling match.
Osasuna’s Ante Budimir made headlines early on, scoring twice within the first 20 minutes, putting Villarreal on the back foot. However, Villarreal, who had recently enjoyed a run of three consecutive victories across competitions, struck back with a goal from Álex Baena in the 67th minute, followed by a penalty kick expertly converted by Gerard Moreno just three minutes into injury time.
Osasuna, who trail Villarreal by three points, came off a heavy 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid, making this match vital for their aspirations.
Also on Sunday, Sevilla put an end to their two-game losing streak in the league, claiming a narrow 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano. The visitors had to endure the second half with just 10 players after Unai López received a red card for a reckless foul.
Djibril Sow delivered the decisive moment of the match for Sevilla by scoring the lone goal in the 27th minute, helping his side regain some much-needed momentum.
Later on Sunday, sixth-place Athletic Bilbao hosted midtable Real Sociedad in the eagerly awaited Basque Country derby, adding to the day’s excitement.
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AP soccer:
What role will Kylian Mbappé play in Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League match against Liverpool?
**Interview with Sports Analyst on Real Madrid’s Recent Performance**
**Interviewer**: Welcome back to our sports segment. Today, we’re discussing Real Madrid’s impressive 3-0 victory over Leganes this past weekend, led by Kylian Mbappé’s goal. Joining us is sports analyst, Alex Rivera. Thanks for being here, Alex!
**Alex**: Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer**: Let’s dive right in. Kylian Mbappé scored yet again. How critical was his performance in this match?
**Alex**: Mbappé’s impact was crucial. He not only scored but also created space for his teammates, showcasing his ability to draw defenders away. His goal was a classic example of his speed and finishing skill, which is vital for Madrid’s attack as they close in on Barcelona in the league standings [[1](https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-mbappe-bellingham-spanish-league-scores-97014bf39c87ba5a1798935a5cd8d1f7)].
**Interviewer**: Real Madrid is now just four points behind Barcelona. How significant is this win, considering their upcoming Champions League match against Liverpool?
**Alex**: This victory could serve as a huge confidence booster going into such a high-stakes Champions League fixture. Madrid has not only narrowed the gap to Barcelona but also demonstrated their attacking prowess, which will be essential against a strong Liverpool side. They have the momentum right now [[1](https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-mbappe-bellingham-spanish-league-scores-97014bf39c87ba5a1798935a5cd8d1f7)].
**Interviewer**: Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham also scored in this match. What does their performance indicate about the depth of Madrid’s squad?
**Alex**: The contributions from Valverde and Bellingham highlight the incredible depth and talent in Madrid’s squad. Bellingham, in particular, is continuing to impress as a rising star, and having multiple players capable of scoring eases the pressure on Mbappé. It shows that the team can strike from various positions, making them more unpredictable and dangerous [[1](https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-mbappe-bellingham-spanish-league-scores-97014bf39c87ba5a1798935a5cd8d1f7)].
**Interviewer**: Barcelona had a tough match this weekend, drawing 2-2 with Celta Vigo after conceding late goals. How does this development affect the title race?
**Alex**: Barcelona’s dropped points are particularly significant. Such draws can shake a team’s confidence, especially when they are leading. With Real Madrid closing in and having a game in hand, the pressure is now on Barcelona to maintain their position at the top. Teams often thrive under pressure, but it can also lead to mistakes when titles are on the line [[1](https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-mbappe-bellingham-spanish-league-scores-97014bf39c87ba5a1798935a5cd8d1f7)].
**Interviewer**: Lastly, with Real Madrid having one game less played due to a postponed match, do you think this could be a decisive factor in the upcoming weeks?
**Alex**: Absolutely. If Madrid can capitalize on this extra fixture, it could tilt the balance in their favor. They not only have the opportunity to gain points but also to build rhythm and cohesion within the squad, which can be crucial as the season progresses [[1](https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-mbappe-bellingham-spanish-league-scores-97014bf39c87ba5a1798935a5cd8d1f7)].
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Alex. It will be exciting to see how the title race unfolds and how both teams prepare for their next challenges.
**Alex**: Definitely! I’m looking forward to it.
**Interviewer**: Thanks for your insights today. We’ll be watching closely as the season develops!
