The Spanish media criticized new signing Mbappe for failing to score in Madrid’s first three La Liga games after he scored against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, as per AFP.
After missing a number of opportunities, Mbappe was forced to wait for his goals. In the 67th minute, Fede Valverde’s perfectly timed backheel allowed him to whisk the ball past the Betis goalie with his left foot.
After scoring a second goal eight minutes later from the penalty spot, the France captain was applauded as he left the field in the 84th minute to be replaced by Luka Modric.
Mbappe’s smile contrasted with the worry he had displayed since August 14, when he scored his first goal and won his first title in Warsaw.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti responded to the criticism on Saturday, stating that his star recruit was fitting in nicely.
“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,” said Ancelotti, pointing instead to his team’s lack of balance.
After defeating Real Valladolid 7-0 on Saturday, Madrid’s 2-0 victory moves them up to second place in the standings with eight points, four points behind champions Barcelona. This is Madrid’s fourth straight winning season in La Liga under new coach Hansi Flick.
With a late victory in Bilbao on Saturday, Atletico Madrid moved up to third place, while Villarreal is in fourth place with eight points as well.
Girona, who won their second game of the season in Seville, are currently in fifth place.
Girona took the lead through a goal from Ivan Martin in the 41st minute, and in the 73rd, Abel Ruiz scored a penalty to seal a 2-0 victory over Sevilla.
Alaves defeated Las Palmas 2-0 thanks to goals from Carlos Vicente and Luka Romero, while Osasuna moved up to seventh place after defeating Celta Vigo 3-2 at home.
After 21 minutes, Ante Budimir set up Flavien Boyomo to give the home team the lead, but Borja Iglesias of Celta quickly equalized.
Osasuna regained the lead shortly before the half thanks to an own goal by Carlos Dominguez, and shortly after the hour, Abel Bretones added a third.
Four minutes from time, Moi Gomez’s own goal gave Celta a tiny bit of comfort after Alfonso Gonzalez was sent off, leaving them down to 10 men.
