But there’s a catch. Real Madrid’s fortunes seem intimately tied to the brilliance of their French forward. The team struggles noticeably when Mbappe doesn’t score, a fact underlined by their recent results.
In the last two defeats—against Liverpool (1-0) and a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano—the common denominator was clear: Mbappe was off the scoresheet.
Broadening the lens, the trend is unmistakable. Xabi Alonso’s side becomes a shadow of itself when their talisman isn’t firing. The problem isn’t new; it has haunted Real Madrid since Mbappe’s arrival. When he doesn’t score, the team’s attack seems clouded, predictable, and less effective.