Carlo Ancelotti praised Kylian Mbappe as “the best striker in the world” after the France captain scored twice in Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Las Palmas this afternoon.
Mbappe played mostly on the left side of a three-man attack at former club Paris Saint-Germain, but had to adapt to a new role in Spain.
He has not always looked completely at ease but Ancelotti believes he is now starting to show his best form after his brace today netted four goals in three games.
9️⃣ @KMbappe 9️⃣ #The most prominent matches of the Spanish League | #RealMadridLas Palmas pic.twitter.com/gQ9DWSSQky
– Real Madrid FC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 19, 2025
The Italian said: “He is the best striker in the world. There were doubts about whether he could play there or whether he would be better on the left. He's a great striker, he's very good in the middle, more so than on the wing, his running is unique and he can use it better inside.
Madrid goes up
With this victory, Real Madrid became at the top of the Spanish League by two points, but it was not easy as Las Palmas suddenly took the lead in the first minute through Fabio Silva.
Mbappé equalized from a penalty kick after Sandro Ramirez was adjudged to have fouled Rodrigo.
Brahim Diaz put the home team ahead before Mbappe scored his 12th goal of the season to make it 3-1. Rodrigo added the fourth goal 12 minutes into the second half, and Las Palmas lost steam long before Benito Ramirez was sent off for an inappropriate challenge on Lucas Vazquez.
The final result could have been more emphatic as Real Madrid had three goals disallowed for offside while Jude Bellingham wasted a host of chances.
Difficult week, Ancelotti admits
It was a good end to a week that began with a 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, and included a 5-2 extra-time Copa del Rey win over Celta Vigo in midweek.
Ancelotti added: “It was a difficult week, like all other weeks when you suffer blows. When you lose El Clásico, it is of course more difficult, but in difficult times the only way to get through it is with self-criticism and positivity.
“We are able to achieve a balance in good moments and difficult moments. I think that criticism with Real Madrid is harsher than with other teams, yes. There is criticism and there is criticism. Whistles are criticism that hurt, and it is the fans who are not happy, and this motivates. It is a wake-up call.”
A good day for Real Madrid just got sweeter with the return of defender David Alaba after 399 days out due to injury. Austrian Alaba entered the last 14 minutes instead of Antonio Rudiger.
