Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti chose to shine the spotlight on a different star from his squad, despite Kylian Mbappé’s match-winning performance against Real Betis, Soccernet.football reports.
Returning to action after their midweek draw with Las Palmas, Los Blancos hosted Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, eager to get back to winning ways.
Thanks to two second-half goals from summer signing Mbappé, Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 victory.
Mbappé, who had not scored in three La Liga games following his Super Cup goal against Atalanta, finally broke his league duck.
In the 67th minute, after several missed opportunities, the French captain scored his first La Liga goal, slotting the ball past the Betis goalkeeper with his left foot, following a slick back-heel assist from Fede Valverde.
Eight minutes later, Mbappé doubled his tally from the penalty spot, sealing the victory before being substituted in the 84th minute to a chorus of applause.
Despite Mbappé’s heroics, it was Aurélien Tchouaméni who earned the highest praise from Ancelotti during ...-match press conference, as per GFNS.
The Italian tactician described the midfielder as “irreplaceable,” highlighting his importance to the team’s defensive solidity.
“Tchouaméni is a fantastic defensive midfielder. He helps our defence a lot. He’s irreplaceable,” Ancelotti remarked.
While the night belonged to Mbappé in many ways, Ancelotti’s comments served as a reminder of Tchouaméni’s growing influence at the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield.
The coach also addressed concerns over Mbappé’s form, dismissing suggestions of adaptation issues.
“It’s true that he hasn’t scored but he’s playing very well and has been very dangerous every time. I don’t think he has any problems adapting,” Ancelotti explained, instead pointing to the team’s need for better balance.