La Liga Lift off for Mbappe! Madrid new Boy Downs Betis

Kylian Mbappe has La Liga lift off! Summer signing silences the haters with a brace – but don’t let Fede Valverde’s dreamy assist be forgotten. Real Madrid player ratings vs Real Betis

The France captain found the net for the first time in the league as Los Blancos eventually cruised to a win

Well, Kylian Mbappe took his time, but he’s finally arrived in La Liga. The France star, after going three whole games without scoring in Madrid white, bagged two for his new club against Real Betis, helping secure a solid 2-0 win amidst a more convincing performance for the defending champions.

Mbappe enjoyed a flurry of half-chances in the opening 45 minutes as he repeatedly connected with Vinicius Jr, but failed to find the net. The Brazilian, meanwhile, almost made it 1-0 early in the second half, but his deflected shot pinged off the post.

Madrid eventually made their dominance count as, after 67 minutes, Mbappe opened the scoring with a calm finish after a wonderful Federico Valverde backheel assist. He then added a second from the penalty spot soon after following a foul on Vinicius.

This wasn’t a perfect showing from Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who were predictable at times and often got in each other’s way. They remain vulnerable on the break, too. Still, their main man bagged the goals, and they look a far better side than the one that drew with Mallorca just two weeks ago.

Supersports24 rates Real Madrid’s players from Santiago Bernabeu

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Goalkeeper & Defense of Madrid

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Did well when called into action, even if there weren’t loads going on for him. Happy to keep the clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Scrappy and energetic, but not quite as direct as he could have been. Cannot be faulted for his effort whatsoever, though.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Showed an excellent recovery pace on a couple of occasions. Could have scored from a corner.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, was calm under pressure, and covered the ground well. Classy.

Ferland Mendy (7/10):

A solid defensive shift. Won the ball, and circulated it well.

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ALSO READ: Madrid warned Neymar and Messi ahead of Mbappe

Madrid’ Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Won his tackles, kept the ball moving and broke up play when needed. He’s not Toni Kroos, but he’s been solid as a midfield destroyer.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

What an assist! Mbappe may have grabbed the goals, but Valverde provided the key moment with a sublime backheel pass. He’s becoming more of an attacking threat in this team.

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

A surprise starter, given his relative lack of involvement in recent weeks. Provided a few nice touches, and connected play.

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The Attack crew of Real Madrid

Rodrygo (6/10):

Created five chances and linked well with Mbappe at times. Some of his tracking back was woeful, though.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Finally! La Liga Lift off for Mbappe! Had a load of shots blocked, but was deadly when it counted. Took his first goal well, and never looked like missing from the spot.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

A real mixed bag. Did some lovely stuff with the ball and won a penalty, but picked up a silly yellow. Perhaps the biggest threat on the pitch.

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Subs & Manager of Real Madrid

Brahim Diaz (7/10):

Energetic without the ball, and skilful with it. He’s a delight to watch, at times.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

A solid attacking option off the bench. The youth product is starting to settle in the first team.

Luka Modric (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Endrick (N/A):

Could have scored within 60 seconds of coming on.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Introduced Ceballos into the side, and for 60 minutes it seemed to have little effect. Then Madrid came alive, scored two good goals, and he looks like a genius. Things are starting to come together.

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