Not Kylian Mbappe, Endrick was the player who scored in Real Madrid's debut at Bernabeu's home field. The Brazilian striker replaced Mbappe and scored the winning goal for Los Blancos in a 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid.
First impressions are important, especially after a long wait. Mbappe strutting his stuff at the Bernabeu wearing a Real Madrid shirt was a moment he and the club's fans had been waiting for for a long time. However, things did not go as they expected.
No goals, no smiles and no trademark crossed-arms celebration of the French striker. Of course, the "White Vultures" still won thanks to goals in the second half from Federico Valverde, Brahim Diaz and Endrick. However, the performance of Mbappe and the Real Madrid team in the first 45 minutes showed that they are still a work in progress.
In 86 minutes on the field, Mbappe had the fewest touches and made the fewest passes among Real Madrid's players. And considering that the most important task of a striker is to score goals, the France captain also appeared ungainly.
Mbappe launched a total of 4 shots, 3 of which were saved by Valladolid goalkeeper Karl Hein. Among them, the most regrettable was Mbappe's clever but unsuccessful back-heel after a pass from Vinicius. In addition, Mbappe also had a ball that missed the goal before being replaced.
When the score was 1-0 in favor of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti felt unsafe and brought Luka Modric, Brahim Diaz, and Dani Ceballos onto the field. After Diaz increased the gap to 2 goals, Endrick also spoke up and decided the match.
Mbappe 's position in the Real Madrid squad is quite clear. He is the main striker, with Vinicius and Rodrygo supporting the flanks. Speaking after the match, Ancelotti affirmed that Mbappe was not affected when playing highest in attack. However, against a tight and organized Valladolid team, Mbappe had very little space to operate and promote his greatest quality, speed.
Meanwhile, there have been plenty of questions about Endrick's readiness at the highest level. But the goal against Valladolid partly proves that the 18-year-old striker is ready. "Endrick has great potential. With today's goal, he showed all his qualities" - Ancelotti commented on his student.
Going back to Mbappe, in fact, this is not the first time he has played at the Bernabeu. The French striker has strode onto this field three times before, but all in the colors of Paris St Germain. Los Blancos fans understand Mbappe's talent and will wait patiently.
While Endrick is relieved of the burden, Mbappe will have to continue moving forward as a landmark contract in the new era of the "White Vultures".
"Mbappe is not constrained to play in the "number 9" position. He is an excellent striker, quick and moves very well without the ball. Today, Mbappe had 3 or 4 chances and He will score goals like he always does, no matter what position he plays," Ancelotti added.
