Kylian Mbappé scored his first hat-trick for Real Madrid in a commanding 3-0 victory over Valladolid on Saturday. Despite a season marked by injuries and fluctuations in form, the French forward showcased his brilliance, propelling Real Madrid to a four-point lead at the summit of La Liga.
Mbappé's first goal came after 30 minutes, following a swift interchange with Jude Bellingham before calmly slotting the ball into the net. In the second half, he added to his tally with a clinical finish from a rapid counter-attacking move, receiving a pass from Rodrygo and finding the far corner of the net.
As the match progressed, Madrid's victory seemed assured, especially after Mario Martín was shown a red card for a challenge on Bellingham. Mbappé capitalized on the opportunity, converting a penalty to complete his hat-trick.
Real Madrid's title rivals, Atlético Madrid, had earlier settled for a 1-1 draw against Villarreal, allowing Carlo Ancelotti's side to extend their lead with a fourth consecutive league triumph. Reflecting on his performance, Mbappé emphasized the importance of the team's victory, stating, 'I'm happy with the hat-trick, but above all the three points. It was very important to win today because the Atlético result put us under pressure.'
Mbappé's recent form has been exceptional, with eight goals in his last five appearances, including five in his last two league matches, following a brace against Las Palmas the previous weekend. Ancelotti commended Mbappé's contributions, highlighting his consistent quality and impact on the team.
Real Madrid's next challenge will be against French side Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, with their place in the knockout stages already secured.