Real Madrid ace Kylian Mbappe says he is finally able to play the way he wants after helping Los Blancos move to top spot in La Liga at the weekend.
Mbappe starred as Madrid secured a 4-1 victory over Las Palmas, putting them above Atletico Madrid by two points.
The French striker scored twice and was part of a team of superstars after a difficult start to life in Spain.
He has now scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, including four in his last three appearances.
“I’m really happy,” Mbappé told Real Madrid TV after the match. “I have adapted to the team now and I can play as I want, with my teammates, with personality. We all benefit from it.
“It was an important match, we knew what happened yesterday, with Atletico and Barcelona.
“We wanted to win and we did it. We started off badly… but the reaction was “great”. We were at the forefront, playing quickly, attacking spaces with quality. We scored a lot of goals. We are happy, because we are leaders.
💬 @KMbappe: “The response from the team was exceptional.”#RealMadridLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/eQTczH5BqT
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 19, 2025
This victory comes after a disappointing defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
But their victory over Las Palmas now puts the championship leaders seven points clear of their biggest rivals.
“I am proud of [the team’s] reaction,” Mbappe added. “Losing the Super Cup was difficult, and although we played well in the cup, we made mistakes and went to extra time. But we had the personality to win. Today was very important. Now we rely on ourselves to win the championship.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Mbappé’s performance, adding that he is the “best center forward in the world”.
“People doubted he could play there,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great striker, who feels comfortable in the middle. His movement is unique, and by playing inside he can make the most of it.
