The Frenchman scored twice to rescue Carlo Ancelotti’s side after another underwhelming showing

Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Jude Bellingham also grabbed himself a goal as Real Madrid overcame a 2-1 deficit to beat relegation-threatened Leganes 3-2. Madrid turned in a rather languid showing, but their stars showed up at the right times, Mbappe’s late free-kick salvaging what might have been an embarrassing evening for the title holders.

Los Blancos probed for angles early on, but were unable to find an opening. Mbappe came closest, but saw an effort well tipped around the post. He offered the breakthrough soon after, converting from the penalty spot after Arda Guler was brought down in the penalty box. After barely having a kick, Leganes responded. Diego Garcia grabbed the equaliser, turning home from close range after the visitors cut down the Madrid left. Their second came down the other side, a sweeping move down the wing and ensuing cutback giving Dani Raba a tap in with Andriy Lunin left stranded.

Madrid found an equaliser of their own early in the second half, Bellingham seizing onto a loose ball in the box and finding the bottom corner with a guided finish. They completed the turnaround after 76 minutes. Rodrygo was scythed down on the edge of the box. Mbappe took the ensuing free kick, a whipped effort that crept through a gap in the wall and into the bottom corner.

Article continues below

The hosts endured a nervy moment or two late on, with Leganes creating a couple of good chances as the minutes waned. Still, the visitors could never carve out a clear opening – and Carlo Ancelotti’s side held on. Another weird night, but they remain title favourites.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty Images Sport

Goalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (5/10):

Rather out of position for the first goal, couldn’t do anything for the second. Might be called on again if Thibaut Courtois’ injury issues persist.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

A spirited performance full of running, but not much else.

Raul Asencio (5/10):

Not his best day. Made to look silly for the Leganes second goal and then picked up a silly yellow for a nothing argument.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Won his headers, pushed a few opponents around and can’t really be blamed for anything.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Sprinted up and down the left side. Made a couple of key tackles. Pushing for a starting spot.

Getty Images Sport

Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):

Won his tackles most of the time, yet some of his positioning was poor well Leganes attacked.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Off the pace. Provided the usual flicks and passes, but was nowhere defensively.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Impressive all around, even if it wasn’t his best day. Full of legs in midfield, scored a goal, and provided a crucial late tackle.

 

Getty Images Sport

Attack

Arda Guler (7/10):

Showed why he deserves more minuites. Created a few chances, won the penalty and looked to make things happen.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Sent the goalkeeper sprawling with a cheeky panenka from the spot. Scored the winner with a lovely free kick. A match winning showing – even if he wasn’t at his absolute best.

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Set up Mbappe a couple of times and was lively on the left. Unluckily hit the woodwork.

Getty Images Sport

Subs & Manager

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Offered pace and trickery down the wing. Quality, as usual.

Rodrygo (7/10):

Won the free-kick that led to Mbappe’s game-clincher. Dangerous in the box, too.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

A solid showing at right-back.

Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

A strange evening. His team were very poor at times, but leaned on their stars to get it done, which is more or less their thing these days.