Mbappe Powers Madrid Past Levante
Mbappe Stars as Madrid Maintains Perfect Start with Win Over Levante
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid kept their perfect start to the league, reaching seven wins in six matches under Xabi Alonso. Vinicius Junior also shone, opening the scoring with a stunning strike, while Franco Mastantuono added another to secure the victory for the league leaders.
Second-placed Barcelona will visit Real Oviedo on Thursday, currently trailing Madrid by five points.
“It was a very good game. From the start, we were committed defensively, and the first goal was key to giving us confidence,” Alonso said after the match.
Vinicius, who had been unhappy at being substituted in the win over Espanyol last Saturday, started on the left flank and delivered an impressive performance. After finishing second to Manchester City’s Rodri in last year’s Ballon d’Or, the Brazilian winger has struggled with consistency but showed his class at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium, opening the scoring after 28 minutes.
“Vini had a very complete, very good game, and I’m very happy for him,” Alonso added.
Madrid started strongly, with Valencia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan making a smart save to deny Vinicius, and Mastantuono hitting the bar from the rebound. Soon after, Vinicius was set up by Fede Valverde and curled a beautiful effort into the far post.
Levante had early chances through Ivan Romero and Adrian de la Fuente, but Madrid doubled their lead when Vinicius assisted Mastantuono, who rifled the ball into the top corner. It was the 18-year-old striker’s first goal for the club since joining from River Plate.
Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong pulled one back with a header, offering a brief glimmer of hope, but Mbappe quickly put the game beyond doubt. After being clumsily brought down in the box by Unai Elgezabal, Mbappe confidently converted the penalty, then added his second just two minutes later, rounding Ryan after a smart pass from Arda Guler.
Mbappe struggled initially after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 but has regained top form, now boasting nine goals in seven games across all competitions. His scoring has been pivotal as Madrid aims to maintain momentum.
“There are still things we can improve, but we’re on a good path and need to continue,” Alonso said. “We’re building a solid base, and many players feel connected and important in the team.”
Elsewhere, Villarreal secured a late 2-1 win at Sevilla to climb to third in the table, above fourth-placed Espanyol, who drew 2-2 with Valencia. Bottom side Girona earned a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
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