Real Madrid: Mbappe's "Mode"

02/10/2025 19:29:00 pandatv

Real Madrid had to mend their wounds from the crushing defeat in the Madrid derby by themselves, more than 6,000 kilometers away, with a 5-0 win over the home side Kairat Almaty, powered by Kylian Mbappe's outstanding performance.

Coach Xabi Alonso stated before arriving in Kazakhstan that the humiliating loss to Atletico still lingered in the Real dressing room, but they must move forward and activate "champion mode." The white team needed a victory not only to earn 3 points in the second Champions League matchday but also to recover their form after the first defeat of the season.

""Face washing" after the derby

There is no better cure for recovery than winning. No better forgiveness than a brilliant display. The heavy derby defeat called for a different Real, not the one that, despite ideal conditions, got the worst result. In theory, such a crushing loss to Atletico should never be expected from the Galaxy’s stature.

The sudden drop in the white team’s football quality is puzzling. That’s why Alonso rotated the squad, sending a message about who deserved to play and who did not. David Alaba started for the first time since April, during the Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal. Fran Garcia also came on, marking his second start since Carreras’ arrival. Valverde was fully rested, and Ceballos was placed alongside Tchouameni. Bellingham returned to the bench, giving Guler the central midfield role where the Turkish player displayed excellent skill.

Mastantuono still played well, Vinicius barely reduced his irritability, Rodrygo surpassed his compatriot when substituted in, and Mbappe behaved typically with a hat-trick. This was the highlight of a Real that was patient like a strict teacher dealing with a mischievous and rebellious student.

The overwhelming victory over the small club Kairat cannot compensate for the loss to their La Liga neighbor. However, it holds its own value by helping the Galaxy avoid further doubts that might have arisen.

The smile has returned to Real’s face

Mbappe-Vinicius contrast

The match ended fairly easily for Alonso’s team, but things could have become more complicated in the second half, even though everything was nearly controlled. This was because the Kazakh side had strong motivation to make a lasting impression on the greatest club of the century.

The home team was a fast-burning machine, but such sparks usually only flash briefly. Once the home side’s attacking momentum faded, Real took control of the ball. The match then turned into a monologue of the dominators against an enthusiastic opponent.

No matter what, Real still had Kylian Mbappe in destructive form. If the team had a poor afternoon like the game at Metropolitano, the French striker would score with his only shot. If playing openly, he would do it like a stroll in the park.

"We must not forget what happened in the derby, try to play better and avoid repeating that tragedy," Mbappe said after the match with Almaty. This was shown by the goals and the joyful way Real played.

Number 10 has a strong hunger for goals, and if he had been more accurate, he could have left Kazakhstan with more goals. But now, the French player is a different athlete, tireless and devastating to all rivals. The only issue is Vinicius, who still lacks precision, as if he has lost the subtlety in his moves, often touching the ball excessively, stumbling, and losing possession.

The anger of number 7 after being taken off in the second half showed a lack of control, quick temper, and loss of self-confidence. This is a serious problem for Alonso; managing egos is very challenging at Bernabeu. Ancelotti ignited Vinicius’s fighting spirit, but it seems the coach from Tolosa tries to moderate that heat in his own way.

Thien Y

Comment (0)