Real Madrid delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Girona, thanks to stellar performances from Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Kylian Mbappé. After the match, the French international shared his thoughts on the game, highlighting the team’s collective strength and the talent of his teammates.
Following a tough week that included a frustrating 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid needed a strong response. Carlo Ancelotti’s men did not disappoint, dominating the match against a well-organized Girona side. Mbappé, who scored the third goal, emphasized the importance of this team rebound.
“We knew this match was crucial. Girona is a tough team at home, very good with the ball. But we started well, scored a first-half goal, and then finished strong in the second half with two quick goals,” Mbappé said in the mixed zone. As criticisms of the Madrid attack have been mounting, this victory came at the perfect time. “I try to play with character every match and help the team win. Tonight was a collective victory, and it feels really good,” the French forward added.
Mbappé impressed by Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has been the talk of the season. The young English midfielder, already a key player since his arrival, once again shone in the game. He scored the opening goal with a clinical strike in the 36th minute, then assisted Arda Güler early in the second half before being forced off due to injury. Asked about his teammate’s performance, Mbappé couldn’t hide his admiration for the young prodigy.
“Unbelievable, a great player. It’s a real pleasure to play alongside him here in Madrid, surrounded by players of such caliber. Jude had a fantastic game, just like Brahim and Arda. These young guys bring an incredible energy to the team,” Mbappé said enthusiastically.
With 6 goals and 4 assists in La Liga, Jude Bellingham continues to prove he’s much more than just a midfielder. In the absence of key attacking players like Vinícius and Rodrygo, the Englishman has become a major offensive weapon for Real Madrid, further cementing his growing importance in the squad.
Another highlight of the evening was Arda Güler’s performance. The young Turkish winger, often on the bench, scored his first-ever La Liga goal this season. Capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from Bellingham, he finished with a precise, unstoppable shot. For Mbappé, the rise of these young players is crucial for Madrid’s collective strength. “Young talents like Arda and Brahim contribute a lot. Their ambition and boldness push the whole team to perform better,” Mbappé stated.
Mbappé finds the net again
After a difficult night in Bilbao, where he missed a penalty, Mbappé bounced back. In the 62nd minute, he received a perfect pass from Luka Modric and, with composure, fired a powerful shot low into the net, leaving goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga helpless.
“Scoring is always important, but the priority is the team’s victory. Tonight, we showed we can bounce back and play at a very high level,” said the 2018 World Cup champion. This goal brought Mbappé’s tally to 11 goals in all competitions this season—a solid record, although some still hope for even more from him.
This win moves Real Madrid to within two points of Barcelona, the current La Liga leaders, with a game in hand against Valencia. While the season is still long, this victory could prove to be a turning point for Los Blancos, who must now maintain their momentum. “We lost our last match, but we are ready to move forward. These wins boost our confidence for the challenges ahead,” concluded the number 9 for Real Madrid.
Despite missing key players, Real Madrid once again proved that they can rely on their collective strength and the emergence of young talents. With pillars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, the club’s ambitions remain firmly intact.