Neither Vinícius nor Benzema: Mbappé Equals a Feat Previously Achieved by Morata

Real Madrid further solidifies its leadership in LaLiga after the last gameday. The players coached by Ancelotti had a golden opportunity to extend their lead over Atlético de Madrid: the Colchoneros' draw against Villarreal was an unexpected and exploitable situation. As is often the case with the white club, they didn't fail at the most crucial moment.

Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick, his first in the white jersey, has been sufficient to establish the Meringue entity as the benchmark of the top domestic competition. Everyone is looking toward the Bondy striker, whose growth in the last two months has shattered all expectations. It is necessary to remember that he didn't start by showing his best level, a circumstance that has changed radically.

So much so that he has reclaimed an old record.  Something that practically none of the players currently in the Madrid first team had been able to achieve with certainty. While it is true that players like Vinícius, Bellingham, or Rodrygo Goes have come close, only Kylian Mbappé has managed to score a hat-trick away from Santiago Bernabéu.

This curious circumstance hadn't occurred since Álvaro Morata completed a hat-trick against Leganés in the 16/17 season. The visit to Butarque, in the LaLiga game corresponding to that season, showcased an exceptional performance by the then Madrid forward, who wore the '21' on his back.

Many years have passed

With two headers and a good shot with his right foot to solve a one-on-one with the 'Pepinero' goalkeeper, that hat-trick remained a fixed record. But now Kylian Mbappé has arrived at Real Madrid's moment of greatest need to add his name and secure three crucial points in the fight for LaLiga 24/25.

The absence of Vinícius has placed players like Kylian Mbappé at the helm of the team. Until now, Jude Bellingham had taken on that 'task'. But the notable improvement of the French '9' has meant that the responsibility is increasingly being shared.

The shift in statistics and perceptions around Kylian Mbappé comes at the best possible time. Not only because he's being crucial in resolving the race for LaLiga, but because it dispels all the doubts that had arisen during his first months as a Real Madrid player.

Now few doubt that the Bondy striker has what it takes to continue leading the entity presided over by Florentino Pérez on the field. Be that as it may, it's clear he can't do it alone... and that's why he would have formed a particular 'alliance' with teammates like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, or Vinícius Jr.