Mbappe relieved to score first LaLiga goals

Real Madrid nervy win against Betis

FE Team | Published: September 03, 2024 00:46:26

MADRID, Sept 02 (Reuters): Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said scoring his first LaLiga goals for his new club on Sunday was a relief after drawing a blank in their first three league games of the season.
The France captain netted a second-half double to give the defending champions a hard-fought 2-0 win over Real Betis, earning them their second league win of the new campaign.
"I've been happy ever since I arrived here," Mbappe told DAZN. "People have given me a lot of affection here, even when I didn't score, which was for three games. For some that doesn't seem much but for me it was a lot!
"However, during the process, the club, the teammates, the fans ... they have always been with me. Giving me confidence to score goals for this club."
Coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw at lowly Las Palmas on Thursday, and still without midfielder Jude Bellingham due to a leg injury, the home side made another slow start against Betis.
But they finally got on the scoresheet with Mbappe's brace - the first a close-range effort in the 67th and the second eight minutes later with a penalty after Vinicius Jr was brought down.
"It's a great moment. I was really looking forward to scoring in this mythical stadium, the best in the world," Mbappe said.
"But the most important thing is the victory. We had to win after Las Palmas, even though we faced a difficult game, as they all are against rivals here. But we are Real Madrid. And we won at last."
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe's late double, including a penalty, secured a 2-0 home success over Real Betis on Sunday, earning the champions their second LaLiga victory of the season.
France captain Mbappe, who moved to Marid from Paris St Germain in June, did not score in their first three LaLiga games after netting on his debut, a 2-0 win over Europa League champions Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup to start the season.
On Sunday, the Frenchman ended his short drought to help his side claim a second win in four league games, which eases the pressure ahead of the two-week international break as they stand in second spot with eight points, four behind Barcelona.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw at lowly Las Palmas on Thursday, and still missing attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham due to a leg injury, the hosts had another slow start on Sunday, dominating possession but failing to create clear chances.
The so-called "New Galacticos" Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo misplaced too many passes and struggled to connect.