Mbappe reacts to Ronaldo comparisons after scoring first LaLiga goals

Robin Bairner

Updated: 2 Sept 2024 07:00 BST
4 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Kylian Mbappe opened his account for Real Madrid in LaLiga with a double against Real Betis that will have gone someway to silencing the critics.

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Despite netting in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta, a sense of frustration was beginning to build around Mbappe, yet a couple of goals in a 2-0 win over Betis has relieved the pressure on the France international.

His first arrived after a clever flick from Fede Valverde released him to score in the box, while the second was a penalty kick, with the former PSG star this time allowed to take the effort after clashing with Vinicius Junior over Los Blancos’ last spot kick.

“I don’t know how to explain what he’s done! I’m there and I felt the ball was going to go there, and I scored the goal,” he told the media afterwards, reserving praise for Valverde’s part in the goal.

“It was a great moment but the important thing was the win.”

Previously, there had been fears that he might misfired again. Notably, he fired over the bar when presented with an empty net after a prior shot had hit the post, though his blushes were spared by an offside flag. Nevertheless, it was another sign that he was struggling to find his groove.

In the end, he earned FootballCritics’ Man of the Match award by hitting a rating of 8.5.

Ronaldo comparisons

Real Madrid’s marquee this summer as he arrived from PSG, Mbappe has been touted as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed the club for Juventus in 2018 after a record-breaking career at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe was asked about this following his double salvo and says it’s something he will take in his stride.

“It’s not pressure, it’s football. Everyone knows the respect I have for Cristiano, but I’m here to be Kylian. The only pressure I have is adapting to the team,” Mbappe said.

He also added that he understands the demands of playing at the Bernabeu and that critics are always ready to pounce.

“I’m not surprised. I’ve come from PSG and it’s the same when you don’t win at a big team,” he said. “It’s part of the life of being at a big club.

“We know it can happen and it’s doesn’t affect us. Today we won and the fans were incredible.”

Mbappe will now travel back to Paris for a double header of France matches against Italy and Belgium in the Nations League.