Mbappe Equals Ronaldo’s Debut Tally
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has reached a new milestone by matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season goal tally. He scored twice in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Leganes in La Liga, bringing his total to 33 goals in 44 matches across all competitions.
This achievement mirrors Ronaldo’s 2009-10 season when he joined Madrid from Manchester United. Over the years, Ronaldo went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals.
“It’s very special,” Mbappe said in an interview with Real Madrid TV. “Having the same number of goals as Cristiano is always a great feeling. He means a lot to Real Madrid, and we talk often. He gives me valuable advice, but my focus is on winning trophies here.”
Mbappe’s Impact on Real Madrid’s Title Race
The French forward showcased his skill with a Panenka penalty, calmly slotting the ball down the middle to open the scoring. Later, after Madrid conceded twice, he led the comeback with a stunning free-kick to seal the victory at Santiago Bernabeu.
With this crucial win, Real Madrid is now level with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table. The Catalan giants, however, still have a match against Girona on Sunday.
Ancelotti Praises Mbappe’s Growing Influence
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Mbappe’s performance, emphasizing his growing role in the team. Despite a slow start to life at Madrid following his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Mbappe has significantly improved.
“He’s doing very well,” Ancelotti said. “Now, he’s more active and engaged in our play. That’s exactly what we expect from him—he’s making a real difference.”
In February, Ancelotti had drawn comparisons between Mbappe and Ronaldo. However, he pointed out that reaching Ronaldo’s legendary status would require dedication and consistency.
“He has the potential to match Cristiano’s numbers,” Ancelotti stated. “But Cristiano set an incredibly high bar. If Mbappe continues to work hard, he can reach that level.”
