Kylian Mbappé has pledged full commitment to Xabi Alonso’s tactical demands after reaching his 50th goal for Real Madrid in their 2-1 Champions League comeback win over Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.
The French superstar struck twice from the penalty spot, overturning Timothy Weah’s opener for the visitors and sealing victory despite Madrid being reduced to 10 men following Dani Carvajal’s red card.
Speaking after the match, Mbappé downplayed his personal milestone, stressing the importance of teamwork and Alonso’s system.
“I feel really good. I don’t think about being the leader, I just try to be Kylian and think about the team,” Mbappé told Movistar. “Xabi wants us to win the ball back quickly, to press high, and we’re determined to do it because we want to win trophies. I do what the boss asks me — scoring goals, pressing, giving assists — anything to help the team.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso hailed Mbappé’s impact, highlighting his six-goal tally this season across LaLiga and Europe.
“He has an incredible influence,” Alonso said. “The team showed Champions League spirit. The sending off was avoidable, though — we’ll have to discuss it.”
Alonso surprised many by starting Rodrygo and teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, leaving Vinícius Júnior on the bench for the second time this season. Mastantuono, at just 18 years and 33 days, became the youngest Madrid player to start a Champions League game, breaking Endrick’s record set last year.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois revealed that Alonso’s approach has placed greater defensive responsibility on forwards.
“The boss is really on top of the wingers, Kylian, and the attacking midfielders. Everyone has to defend. That changes everything compared to before,” Courtois said.
Madrid will continue their European campaign with an away trip to Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on September 30, before hosting Juventus on October 22.
