Par: Dérestable John Mickenley

After a mixed start to the season, Real Madrid got back on track on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, all eyes were on Kylian Mbappé, whose performance fell short of expectations.

A Real Madrid that unlocks its victory counter

_Real Madrid secured a clear but difficult victory. After a disappointing draw against Mallorca, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were able to make the difference in the second half. Fede Valverde freed his team with a deflected free-kick in the 50th minute, before Brahim Diaz and Endrick sealed the fate of the match at the very end of the match.

Mbappé in difficulty

For his official home debut, Mbappé was unable to find the fault in Valladolid’s well-organised defence. Involved but often messy in front of goal, the Frenchman failed to be decisive. This second performance in La Liga already raises questions about his integration into Ancelotti’s system. However, the collective victory helps to alleviate these questions, at least for now.

Key moments of the match

*50th minute: Valverde opens the scoring. On a free kick from the left, the ball is slightly shifted by Güler and Rodrygo, allowing Valverde to unleash a powerful shot with his right. Deflected by the wall, the ball flies close to the right post, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

88th minute: Brahim Diaz doubles the lead. Starting from his area, Militão launches a long ball forward. Brahim Diaz, unmarked, takes advantage of a favorable rebound to get ahead of goalkeeper Hein and lob the latter with a subtle left-footed shot.

90+6th minute: Endrick completes the victory. After a breakthrough in the axis, Brahim Diaz serves Endrick who controls, eliminates his opposite number with a hook and follows up with a powerful strike at the near post. Hein, surprised, is beaten for the third time.

Lessons to be learned

Madrid’s victory offers Carlo Ancelotti and his squad some respite after the criticism they received following the previous match. However, this match revealed the importance of the bench: the substitutes were decisive where the starting attacking trio, including Mbappé, remained silent. For Madrid fans, the essentials are there: three points, a clean sheet, and the hope of seeing the team gain momentum.