Valladolid v Real Madrid | Match Highlights | LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 21

Kylian Mbappé scored his first Real Madrid hat trick in a 3-0 win against bottom-club Real Valladolid on Saturday, a result that sees Los Blancos go four points clear at the top of the LaLiga standings. The performance underlined Mbappé’s growing influence in the team and further solidified Real Madrid’s title ambitions in what is shaping up to be a thrilling LaLiga campaign.

The France captain opened the scoring in the 30th minute following a sharp one-two with Jude Bellingham that finished with an emphatic right-footed strike past Karl Hein in the Valladolid net. The move epitomized Real Madrid’s attacking fluidity, with Bellingham’s incisive passing and Mbappé’s clinical finishing combining to devastating effect. It was a goal that not only energized the home crowd but also set the tone for the rest of the match, as Madrid’s dominance became increasingly apparent.

For his second, Mbappé showcased his devastating pace and composure in front of goal. The opportunity arose in the 57th minute after a lightning counter-attack that left Valladolid’s defense scrambling. Combining expertly with Rodrygo, Mbappé received the ball on the left-hand side of the penalty box before coolly slotting it past the goalkeeper. The precision of his movement and the ease with which he dispatched the chance highlighted why he is regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.

Madrid controlled much of the remainder of the game, dictating play and keeping Valladolid at bay. It seemed as though Mbappé would miss out on the chance to claim the match ball, despite his significant contributions. However, in stoppage time, drama ensued when Mario Martín’s slide tackle on Bellingham was deemed a penalty after the referee consulted the pitchside VAR monitor. The challenge also earned Martín a red card, leaving Valladolid’s evening in tatters. Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty, and with characteristic confidence, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his hat trick and put the game beyond any doubt.

The win not only secured another three points for Madrid but also extended their lead at the top of the LaLiga standings after Atlético Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal. With Barcelona hosting Valencia on Sunday, the pressure now shifts to their eternal rivals, who would still remain seven points behind even with a victory. Madrid’s position at the summit is a testament to their consistency and ability to grind out results in a competitive league.

After the match, Mbappé expressed his delight with both his individual performance and the team’s result. “Happy for the hat trick but more for the win. I say it every week, but it was important to win today after Atlético’s draw,” he told Real Madrid TV. “We had to play well; we scored the first goal in a collective action. In the second half we could have played better, but we scored the second, managed well, and scored the third.” His comments underscored the collective mindset that has been instilled in the team under Carlo Ancelotti, even as individual brilliance continues to shine through.

It was not the most inspired performance by Ancelotti’s team, who struggled to create many scoring opportunities despite controlling the action with almost 70% of ball possession. They finished the game with only four shots on target, a statistic that highlights the need for greater efficiency in the final third. However, the result ultimately mattered more than the manner of the performance, and Ancelotti will be pleased with his team’s ability to secure the victory on a cold night at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Missing Vinícius Júnior due to suspension after his red card against Valencia, Real once again relied on Mbappé to provide the goals. The absence of the Brazilian star was keenly felt, particularly in the early stages of the game, but Mbappé’s leadership and attacking instincts ensured Madrid’s momentum was not derailed. His hat trick took his LaLiga tally to 15 goals for the season and 21 overall, an impressive return that highlights his seamless adaptation to life in the Spanish capital.

Mbappé’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. Following a brace he netted last week against Las Palmas, the Frenchman has now scored eight goals in his last five league appearances. His partnership with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo continues to flourish, providing Madrid with a dynamic and versatile attacking trio capable of unlocking even the most stubborn defenses. With Mbappé leading the line, Los Blancos have a potent weapon in their quest for both domestic and European glory.

Real Valladolid, meanwhile, endured another difficult evening as they remained rooted to the bottom of the LaLiga table. Despite showing occasional flashes of resilience, their lack of quality in key areas was evident throughout the match. Manager Paulo Pezzolano faces a daunting task in trying to lift his team out of their current predicament, with time running out to turn their season around. The loss to Real Madrid highlighted the significant gap in class between the two sides, and Valladolid will need to regroup quickly if they are to mount a serious survival bid.

For Real Madrid, the focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures, with Ancelotti keen to maintain the momentum generated by this latest victory. The Italian coach’s tactical acumen and ability to manage his squad effectively will be crucial as the season progresses, particularly with the demands of European competition adding to the domestic schedule. Ancelotti’s decision to rest key players like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos in this match demonstrated his confidence in the squad’s depth, a factor that could prove decisive in the title race.

Mbappé’s role in Madrid’s success cannot be overstated. The 26-year-old forward arrived in the summer with immense expectations, and after a slow start, he has silenced any doubts with his remarkable performances. His ability to score a variety of goals, from clinical finishes to spectacular strikes, makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders. Moreover, his leadership on and off the pitch has been evident, with teammates and fans alike rallying behind him as a talismanic figure.

The LaLiga title race remains finely poised, with Real Madrid’s advantage at the top providing a slight cushion but by no means guaranteeing success. Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and other challengers will undoubtedly push hard in the weeks to come, ensuring that Ancelotti’s men cannot afford to let their guard down. However, with players like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Rodrygo firing on all cylinders, Madrid possess the quality and resilience needed to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

As the final whistle echoed around the Bernabéu, the sense of optimism among Madridistas was palpable. The team’s performance against Valladolid, though not without its flaws, reaffirmed their status as genuine contenders for the league title. With Mbappé in scintillating form and the squad displaying a strong collective spirit, Real Madrid’s aspirations for a successful season remain well within reach. The journey continues, and if this match was any indication, Los Blancos are more than ready to embrace the challenges ahead.