Mbappe Ends Four-Game Goal Drought As Real Madrid Win Over Leganes

LONDON, Nov 25 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Kylian Mbappe ended a four-game goal drought as he netted his seventh of the season in Real Madrid’s convincing 3-0 LaLiga victory at Leganes.

Los Blancos, sitting in second, capitalised on leaders Barcelona’s draw to Celta Vigo on Saturday to move four points behind with a game in hand.

After Mbappe’s first-half opener, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham scored in the second half to make it seven goals and two clean sheets in two games for Madrid.

Mbappe started the clash with intent, with the France striker believing he had fired his side into an early lead before it was ruled out for offside.

After he was slipped through on goal by Vinicius Junior, Mbappe produced a trademark shot into the inside of the near post, but footage showed he went marginally early and the score remained level.

The hosts, who looked to build on their 1-0 victory over Sevilla before the international break, hit the crossbar in the 22nd minute.

But Madrid continued to knock on the door as the half progressed and Mbappe managed to get the goal he deserved in the 43rd minute.

Arda Guler stretched for a loose ball to play Vinicius in behind and the Brazilian forward found strike partner Mbappe with a pass across the six-yard box which he tapped home.

After the break, Real began to show their attacking quality as they found the second goal in the 66th minute to put the game beyond Leganes’ reach.

A set-piece from range saw the ball rolled off the foot of Dani Ceballos towards the surging Valverde, whose powered strike found the bottom left-hand corner.

England international Bellingham netted his second goal in as many games in the 85th minute, nodding home from inside the area after the ball was deflected onto the crossbar, to round off the win.

--BERNAMA-PA Media/dpa