Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe chases European Golden Boot in Carlo Ancelotti's farewell match

The Bernabeu showdown has become a pivotal stage for the French striker's pursuit of his first European Golden Boot, a prize that would cap an extraordinary debut season in Spain.

Mbappe leads the La Liga scoring charts with 29 goals, securing the Pichichi Trophy ahead of Robert Lewandowski, who stalled at 25. However, the 26-year-old's sights are set higher. He trails Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres by half a point in the Golden Boot race, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah close behind on 28 goals and two Premier League matches remaining.

"It's not just about scoring; it's about pushing my limits," Mbappe said after his recent strike against Sevilla. With Salah facing Brighton and Crystal Palace, Mbappe knows a single goal against Real Sociedad may not suffice.

His hunger was evident in Real Madrid's clash with Sevilla on Sunday, where he netted a stunning goal but appeared frustrated, having missed chances against a side reduced to nine players. "Kylian's determination is infectious," former Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez commented on X, praising Mbappe's relentless drive. The forward will need his teammates' support in Ancelotti's final match, as Real Sociedad are unlikely to roll over.

Mbappe's 41 goals across all competitions mark his best-ever campaign, surpassing his previous high of 44 goals in 48 matches with Paris Saint-Germain last season.

With the Club World Cup looming, he is just three strikes shy of breaking that record. Remarkably, only once in the past five seasons, 2021-22, with 39 goals, has he fallen below the 40-goal mark. "He's rewriting his own legacy," La Liga analyst Guillem Balague posted on X, highlighting Mbappe's immediate impact despite Real Madrid's lack of major trophies this term.

As Ancelotti bids farewell, all eyes are on Mbappe to deliver a performance that could define his legacy, and Real Madrid's future.

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