Real Madrid’s win over Real Valladolid quietly lifted the early-season gloom hanging over the club. Live Cricket BPL sources noted the improved atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks in large part to coach Carlo Ancelotti’s second-half midfield adjustments that energized the team and helped secure the victory. Yet all eyes were on Kylian Mbappé, whose inability to score remains a talking point — a spotlight that comes with his global reputation and high-profile transfer.
Mbappé did score in his very first appearance for Real Madrid, during the Club World Cup. But in his second and third matches — including this one — he failed to find the net. While that’s perfectly normal for most players, Mbappé isn’t just any player. He arrived with the weight of enormous expectations, dubbed the future face of the club and one of the game’s brightest stars. With that kind of hype, every goalless match draws criticism, fair or not.
His first La Liga match at the Bernabéu — a stadium he idolized growing up — should have been a dream debut. It featured his first run, first dribble, and first shot in the famous white kit. The match opened up after Madrid took the lead, offering a canvas for creativity, but suspense lingered until Brahim Díaz broke through with a slick finish off a long pass from Éder Militão — a move sparked by Ancelotti’s tactical changes in midfield.
Then came the moment that stole the show. With the game nearly wrapped up, teenage sensation Endrick replaced Mbappé and immediately dazzled. His first touch saw him escape two defenders before launching a stunning strike into the net. It was a defining moment for the 18-year-old and a symbolic passing of the torch — one that overshadowed what was supposed to be Mbappé’s day.
Instead of a celebration of team growth, the headlines were all about Endrick’s brilliance — and Mbappé’s missed opportunities. He was expected to shine, and though his performance wasn’t poor, he couldn’t escape scrutiny. One glaring miss in front of goal had fans in disbelief, especially considering the stakes. In two league games, Mbappé now has eight shots, five on target, but still no goals. The longer that drought continues, the heavier the pressure becomes — especially as Erling Haaland continues his scoring rampage elsewhere.
To his credit, Mbappé handled the situation with poise. He liked Endrick’s celebratory post on social media, a classy gesture that showed maturity and leadership. That’s the kind of star power that extends beyond the pitch — a nod to his ability to manage locker room dynamics and public perception.
Despite the pressure, coach Ancelotti remains firmly supportive. He’s publicly praised Mbappé and promised more chances. Teammates, too, aren’t worried. They believe once he finds his rhythm, he’ll return to being Madrid’s reliable scorer. As long as the team maintains confidence and patience, Live Cricket BPL believes the chemistry will only improve. Mbappé blending in so quickly with his teammates is already a promising sign for things to come.