Kylian Mbappe stars as Real Madrid maintain perfect LaLiga start

Kylian Mbappe stars as Real Madrid maintain perfect LaLiga start

Real Madrid won their fifth LaLiga match in a row to begin the 2025 season helped by a sterling performance from star forward Kylian Mbappe.

The match between Real Madrid and Espanyol got off to a slow start at the Bernabeu, with the visitors setting up an effective deep defensive line in a bid to nullify Los Blancos' potent attacking threat.

However, they were not able to prevent the individual brilliance by Eder Militao shining through as he thundered a long range effort into the back of the net from 25-metres out to open the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Espanyol also took a moment too long to get back into the swing of things after half time and a brief lapse in concentration on defence allowed Mbappe to break through and double their advantage in the 47th minute.

The match also marked the return of England star Jude Bellingham, who made his first appearance for Real Madrid after undergoing shoulder surgery back in July.

Elsewhere in LaLiga on Saturday, Villarreal bounced back from a goal down to defeat Osasuna 2-1 at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Ante Budimir opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot six minutes into first-half stoppage time before Georges Mikautadze levelled matters in the 69th minute and Pape Gueye secured the win with a strike in the 85th minute.

Levante hammered 9-man Girona after the latter had two men sent off with Etta Eyong (43'), Carlos Alvarez (49'), Ivan Romero (70') and Goduine Koyalipou (90+2) grabbing the goals.

Sevilla bagged a 2-1 win over Alaves from their trip to Estadio de Mendizorroza. Ruben Vargas opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Carlos Vicente levelled from the penalty spot seven minutes later, with Alexis Sanchez's 67th minute strike enough to secure the points.

Valencia were made to work hard for their 2-0 win over Athletic Club, who were reduced to 10-men thanks to a red card shown to Daniel Vivian for a professional foul in the 61st minute.

Despite creating numerous chances, the goals came late, with Baptiste Santamaria scoring in the 73rd minute, before Hugo Duro wrapped up the result three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game.

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