Mbappe opens La Liga goal account with brace as Madrid beat Betis

Real Madrid moved up to second position in the league with a 2-0 win against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, thanks in large part to a sensational performance by Kylian Mbappe, who finally put his doubters to rest by scoring his first La Liga goals.
 
Spanish media quickly criticised the new acquisition when he scored in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta but failed to score in Madrid's first three La Liga matches.
 
After missing a string of opportunities, Mbappe eventually scored in the 67th minute, converting a Fede Valverde backheel with a swish of his left foot. Betis had kept him out of the net for most of the match.
 
The captain of France scored again eight minutes later from the penalty spot before being replaced by Luka Modric in the 84th minute to loud applause.
 
After being visibly worried since he scored his first goal and won his first title in Warsaw on August 14, Mbappe's expression changed to pure joy.
 
Despite the criticism, coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his prized recruit on Saturday, saying he was adjusting well.
 
"It's true that he hasn't scored, but he's playing very well and has been very dangerous every time. I don't think he has any problems adapting," said Ancelotti, pointing instead to his team's lack of balance.
 
With their 2-0 victory, Madrid moved to second place in La Liga, four points behind early leaders Barcelona. On Saturday, Barcelona scored four wins in a row under new coach Hansi Flick, destroying Real Valladolid 7-0.
 
With eight points each, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal sit in third and fourth, respectively, after Saturday's late win in Bilbao.
 
Girona won for the second time in Seville this season, moving them up to fifth place.
 
Girona took the lead in the 41st minute via Ivan Martin, while Sevilla were defeated 2-0 in the 73rd minute thanks to a penalty kick by Abel Ruiz.
 
Osasuna moved to seventh place with a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Celta Vigo, while Alaves defeated Las Palmas 2-0 (goals scored by Luka Romero and Carlos Vicente).
 
After 21 minutes, the home team took the lead thanks to a pass from Ante Budimir to Flavien Boyomo. However, Celta quickly equalised via Borja Iglesias.
 
Just before halftime, Osasuna took the lead again on Carlos Dominguez's own goal; Abel Bretones scored a third goal just after the hour.
 
After Alfonso Gonzalez's dismissal four minutes before halftime, Celta was down to ten men; however, Moi Gomez's own goal in the 94th minute provided some solace. 

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favourite teams and games.