Ancelotti: Happy with Mbappé’s Performance

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction with the performance of forward Kylian Mbappé, who scored a goal in their 2-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Sunday, despite missing several chances in the second half at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The French captain (25 years old), who joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in June, became Real Madrid’s top scorer in the league, tied with Vinícius Júnior, with both having scored eight goals.

After a modest performance in Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, where he failed to trouble the opponent’s defense and missed a penalty in the second half, Mbappé delivered a strong performance against Getafe, scoring his tenth goal of the season in all competitions.

Ancelotti told reporters: “Mbappé was active and dangerous, and scored a great goal that was important for controlling the rest of the match. He was active, and that’s what we want from him. The fans understand better than anyone the current situation of the team and the players. The supporters showed their support for Mbappé after the Anfield match because it was the right thing to do.”

Jude Bellingham scored a penalty and Mbappé added another goal before halftime against 17th-place Getafe, bringing the defending champions closer to leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid is in second place with 33 points from 14 matches, one point behind Barcelona, which has played one more match.

When asked if Mbappé’s goal against Getafe gave him relief, Ancelotti replied: “Yes, it was a relief for everyone because it was an amazing goal after a great shot. Besides that, his level was very good.”

Real Madrid is missing defenders David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal due to ACL injuries, while forward Vinícius Júnior and midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni are absent due to muscle and ankle injuries, respectively.

Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also joined the injury list after suffering a hamstring injury during the loss to Liverpool.

Bellingham was substituted at halftime against Getafe, but Ancelotti believes the English midfielder will be available to play in two days.

Ancelotti said: “Despite the difficulties we face, mainly due to the injuries, we are fighting. We’ve come back to play with focus and high spirit, which reassures me and gives me confidence. We will gradually solve our problems, but at the same time, we will keep fighting.”

Real Madrid now focuses on their upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.