Kylian Mbappe ends goal drought as Real Madrid beats Leganes

In La Liga, Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid during their 3-0 victory against Leganes on a Sunday. The match marked a significant moment for Mbappe as it was his first goal in five games, helping his team secure second place in the league, trailing Barcelona by four points but holding a game in hand. Following Barcelona's recent draw against Celta Vigo, the win against Leganes allowed Real Madrid to capitalize on the situation and improve their standings. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made strategic changes to the team formation, moving Mbappe to the left wing, which proved effective. Alongside him, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham also contributed to the score sheet; Valverde netted the second goal from a free-kick, showcasing his versatility as a makeshift right-back, while Bellingham scored the final goal by converting a rebound. The match highlighted the team's robust performance despite missing key players due to long-term injuries. Mbappe, having previously faced scrutiny due to off-field issues and his exclusion from the France national team, displayed renewed vigor in this match. His effort was complemented by a strong defensive showing from Real Madrid, including a notable performance from debuting young center-back Raul Asencio. This collective effort by Madrid aimed to build momentum as they prepared for a crucial Champions League match against Liverpool on Wednesday, where they seek to improve their standing after struggling in previous European fixtures. Leganes, positioned 14th in the league, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Defender Sergio Gonzalez expressed frustration over their inability to convert chances into goals, attributing the defeat to their defensive errors that allowed Madrid to take control of the match confidently. The contrast in performances between the two teams was evident, with Real Madrid managing to neutralize Leganes' attempts effectively while taking advantage of their defensive lapses.