Real Madrid’s puzzling Kylian Mbappé paradox
The French forward has scored more than half of Madrid’s goals this season, highlighting the team’s growing reliance on him.
Real Madrid started the season in superb fashion. They were undefeated in both La Liga and the Champions League, until Atlético Madrid came along. The 5-2 loss in the derby marked the toughest blow yet under Xabi Alonso’s management. Beyond the heavy scoreline, the biggest concern for fans is the team’s increasing dependence on Kylian Mbappé, whose offensive output is virtually the only pillar holding together a squad that still struggles to find balance in attack.
Mbappé: A consistent performer in tough moments
The French forward delivered once again when the stakes were high. He scored one of Madrid’s two goals against Atlético, the other coming from Arda Güler, underscoring a trend that has defined the early season: when Real Madrid scores, there’s a good chance Mbappé is responsible. In eight official matches so far (seven league games and the Champions League opener against Marseille), he has netted 10 of the team’s 18 goals. The only match he didn’t score in was against Mallorca.
Numbers reveal Mbappé impact, and the lack of alternatives
His statistics speak for themselves. In LaLiga, Mbappé has scored eight goals from just 24 shots, 13 of which were on target. That efficiency highlights not only his dominance in the box but also the scarcity of other offensive options to complement him. Put simply, Madrid depends on Mbappé in a way that is hard to disguise. Aside from the French star, only four other players, Güler, Éder Militão, Vinícius Jr., and Mastantuono, have scored this season.
Real Madrid struggles exposed against Atlético
The problem against Atlético was collective fragility. While Mbappé maintained his usual high level, the rest of the team failed to keep pace. The midfield, inconsistent in creating chances, couldn’t feed the attackers regularly. The defense, overwhelmed at the Metropolitano, looked unusually vulnerable. And the bench offered no meaningful solutions to turn the game around.
A paradox for Real Madrid
The result is a striking paradox: Real Madrid has one of the most decisive forwards on the planet in peak form, yet the team cannot build a system around him to support their attacks. Mbappé delivers, but he is doing it alone.
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