Kylian Mbappé’s long-awaited debut at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid did not go as expected. Despite the team’s comfortable victory over Real Valladolid, Mbappé failed to make a significant impact on the game. He had the fewest touches and attempted passes among the outfield players, ultimately failing to find the back of the net despite several attempts. This performance indicates that Mbappé and the team as a whole are still a work in progress.
Mbappé’s position as the center-forward in Real Madrid’s lineup is secure, flanked by Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. However, against a well-organized Valladolid side, Mbappé struggled to find space to utilize his pace effectively. He had moments of frustration and miscommunication with his teammates, particularly during the first half cooling break when he was deep in conversation with Vinícius. This highlights the need for better coordination and understanding among the attacking players.
Despite his struggles, there were glimpses of Mbappé’s potential during the game. His intricate flick that was saved by the goalkeeper and near miss when he shot wide showcased his technical abilities. However, the pressure to impress on his home debut might have affected his composure in front of goal. In contrast, his replacement, Endrick, seized his opportunity and scored a goal with ease, raising questions about Mbappé’s readiness at the highest level.
The expectations surrounding Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid were high, given his reputation and previous performances for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his debut did not live up to the standards set by past Madrid greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazário, who made an immediate impact with goals in their first games at the Bernabeu. The fans will be patient with Mbappé, but he will need to demonstrate his quality and adapt quickly to the demands of playing for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
Overall, Kylian Mbappé’s debut for Real Madrid was underwhelming, with his performance raising concerns about his ability to meet the high expectations set for him. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, he failed to make a significant impact on the game and will need to improve quickly to justify his status as a marquee signing for the club. Endrick’s impressive performance as Mbappé’s replacement only adds to the pressure on the French forward to deliver better performances in the future.