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| Killian Mbappé real Madrid player was injured after a legendary match against Villarreal |
On a night that was supposed to be a pure celebration at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Real Madrid faithful experienced contradictory chapters of joy and anxiety. There was joy from a precious 3-1 victory over Villarreal that temporarily returned the team to the top of the Spanish league, and joy from a new record set by their singular star, Kylian Mbappé. But all of this was shrouded in deep concern after the French star fell to the pitch in pain, leaving behind question marks about his physical condition ahead of a crucial international break.
Silence in the Bernabéu... Mbappé's Ankle Sparks Terror
The match was heading towards its natural conclusion in the 82nd minute, with Real Madrid in control thanks to goals from Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. Suddenly, without any heavy contact, Mbappé fell to the grass, clutching his right ankle tightly. The atmosphere in the stands froze, and the cheers turned into a stunned silence. Everyone knows that an injury to this player doesn't just affect one match; it could threaten an entire season.
The Merengues' medical staff intervened immediately to examine the player, whose face showed clear signs of pain. Although he got up and walked off the pitch on his own two feet—a gesture that sent an initial message of reassurance—his coach, Xabi Alonso, did not hesitate for a moment to replace him with the Brazilian Rodrygo, a decision reflecting extreme caution for his most important offensive weapon.
Initial reports from the club suggest the injury may be just a minor sprain or muscle strain, but the final word will depend on the detailed medical examinations he will undergo in the coming hours. Anxiety still looms, especially with Mbappé having been called up by coach Didier Deschamps to lead the French national team's attack in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, putting his participation now in serious doubt.
A Non-Stop Goal Machine: Mbappé Writes New History in Madrid
Before those moments of concern, Kylian Mbappé was conducting another solo symphony. With his goal against Villarreal, he not only secured the three points for the match but also continued to shatter personal records. The global statistics network "Opta" confirmed that the French forward has now scored in nine consecutive matches for Real Madrid and the French national team, achieving the longest scoring streak of his professional career.
This new record surpasses his previous streak (8 consecutive matches), which he had achieved twice before: first between November 2019 and January 2020, and again between April and June 2025. These are not just fleeting statistics; they are definitive proof of the footballing maturity and relentless hunger that characterizes Mbappé this season.
And it didn't stop there. The French star is experiencing the best start to a season of his entire career. He has raised his tally to 14 goals in just 10 matches across all competitions (excluding the Club World Cup), outperforming his best start with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2018-2019 season, when he scored 12 goals in the same number of games.
Kylian Mbappé: More Than Just a Scorer in Xabi Alonso's System
Some might argue that Vinícius Júnior was the star of the match for scoring a brilliant brace, and numerically, that is correct. However, the most influential player in Xabi Alonso's offensive philosophy is undoubtedly Kylian Mbappé. He is not just a striker waiting for the ball in the penalty area; he is the beating heart from which all dangerous offensive plays originate.
Mbappé's genius lies in his superior ability to move between the lines, draw defenders away, and create space for his teammates. His dynamism and speed make it difficult for any defense to mark him, which gives players like Vinícius and Rodrygo more freedom in the final third. In Alonso's project, which relies on high pressing and rapid transitions, Mbappé is the perfect piece that makes the system work with total efficiency. He is the player capable of changing the outcome of any match with a single touch or a lightning-fast run.
A Golden Chain: Tchouaméni Joins the 100 Club as French Influence Continues
Away from the spotlight on Mbappé, the match witnessed another French achievement that embodies the deep historical connection between Real Madrid and French talent. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, by playing against Villarreal, completed his 100th La Liga match in a Real Madrid shirt, officially joining the club's list of French centurions.
This golden list reflects the impact of the "French School" on Real Madrid's modern history and includes legends and stars who left an indelible mark:
- Karim Benzema: (439 matches) - The club's second all-time leading scorer.
- Raphaël Varane: (236 matches) - A rock in defense for years.
- Zinedine Zidane: (155 matches) - A legend as a player and coach.
- Ferland Mendy: (128 matches) - The solid left-back.
- Eduardo Camavinga: (116 matches) - The midfield joker and future of the club.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni: (100 matches) - The foundational pillar of the midfield.
Tchouaméni reaching this milestone confirms the continuity of this legacy and shows that relying on French players is not just a coincidence but a successful strategy that has proven its worth across generations.
A Deadly Partnership Returns: The Vinícius-Mbappé Duo Decides the Bernabéu Clash
Against Villarreal, Real Madrid rediscovered a lethal weapon it had missed at times this season: the complete harmony between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. This partnership was the key to unlocking the organized defense of "The Yellow Submarine."
Vinícius opened the scoring with an early goal in the 47th minute that restored the team's confidence, and he returned to add a second from a penalty kick in the 69th minute. But the third goal, scored by Mbappé in the 81st minute, was the final blow that sealed the match. With it, the Frenchman reached his ninth goal in La Liga and continued his streak of scoring in seven consecutive league games, confirming his status as the most decisive player in Europe right now.
A Temporary Lead and a Precious Victory... But All Eyes Are on the Club's Clinic
With this well-deserved win, Real Madrid raised its tally to 21 points from 8 matches, jumping to the top of the standings temporarily, two points ahead of its rival Barcelona, who has a game in hand. Meanwhile, Villarreal's points remained frozen at 16 in third place.
The victory is important, and the top spot is a significant morale booster, but all eyes in Madrid will be on the club's medical clinic over the next couple of days. The Merengues' fans hope that what happened to Mbappé was just a minor stumble and that he will return quickly to continue writing history in the royal white shirt.