Fans online were in awe of Kylian Mbappe’s performance during Real Madrid’s LaLiga match with Leganes on Saturday (March 29). The Frenchman scored a brace as Los Blancos came from behind to win 3-2 at Santiago Bernabeu.
While Real Madrid came into the clash as top dogs, they started relatively slow against their opponents. However, they soon started to crank up the pressure.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were handed a lifeline when Arda Guler was felled by Oscar Rodriguez in the penalty area. Mbappe stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and gave his side the lead, putting a 'Panenka' penalty past Marko Dmitrovic (32’).
However, the lead didn’t last long as Leganes restored parity the next minute, courtesy of Diego Garcia. In what came as a surprise, Dani Raba scored the next goal of the game (41') to put Leganes ahead before halftime.
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Real Madrid started the second half with more determination and were back on level terms two minutes after the restart, courtesy of Jude Bellingham. He pounced on a loose ball and found the bottom corner with a guided finish.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men completed the turnaround in the 76th minute. Rodrygo was brought down on the edge of Leganes’ 18-yard box. Mbappe again stepped up and sent the ensuing free-kick into the bottom corner.
Leganes made a late onslaught, but the hosts held on to their lead and secured all three points. While Jude Bellingham won the Player of the Match award, Kylian Mbappe produced yet another impressive performance in a white shirt.
The Frenchman was the second-highest rated player in the entire Real Madrid squad on the night, receiving a rating of 8.5, as per Sofascore.
After the match, fans praised Mbappe on X (formerly Twitter) for his performance.
One user wrote:
“Kylian Mbappe there will truly never be another you'' 😭🤍
Another tweeted:
“This redemption arc from Mbappe has been INSANE. From “flop” to 33 goals this season.''
“'Has Mbappé scored a free-kick' fella is filing for bankruptcy as we speak,'' @MLGY23 wrote.
“Thanks, Raphinha & Salah, now we're taking it from here. Mbappé for the Ballon d'Or.'' @YashRMFC added.
“Mbappe has 33 goals for Real Madrid this season. I thought this was supposed to be his bad season ?'' 😭😭 @CFC_Janty chimed in.
Another used Mbappe's recent impressive form at Real Madrid to take a dig at Barcelona's Raphinha, writing:
"Mbappe in the last 3 months has scored more league goals than Raphinha has in the entire season 😭😭😭."
“Somehow we are all saying he is not performing to his best. Damn Mbappe is going to be crazy,'' @ssentongopeter5 tweeted.
“Gradually, Mbappé is becoming the face of Real Madrid,'' @Forina88 posted.
“He was very effective” – Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti heaps praise on Kylian Mbappe after 3-2 win over Leganes
Apart from fans, Carlo Ancelotti also waxed lyrical about Kylian Mbappe after their 3-2 win over Leganes. The Italian manager was particularly delighted with how Mbappe was ''more active and involved in the game.''
He told reporters after the match (via the club’s website):
“He is much more active and involved in the game. He has adapted very well and is making a difference. That's what we want from him. He tried the free-kick yesterday and it went well. He was very effective. We put our trust in him today”.
Real Madrid are now level on points on the LaLiga table with Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
