MBAPPE REVEALS CR7 PRESSURE

Kylian Mbappe expressed his relief after finally scoring his first La Liga goals in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Real Betis. The French superstar, who had faced criticism for failing to find the net in his first three games in Spain's top flight, silenced his doubters by scoring twice in the much-needed win for Los Blancos.

"It was a great moment," Mbappe said, reflecting on his breakthrough performance. "I had been hoping to score in this legendary stadium, which I consider the best in the world. I feel great here. I've said it since I arrived, I'm happy. The fans and everyone at the club have shown me a lot of affection, even when I wasn’t scoring."

For Mbappe, going three games without a goal felt like an eternity, given the high expectations surrounding him. "For some players, three games without a goal might not seem like much, but for me, it felt like a lot. Still, the support from the club and the fans has been incredible. It gives me the confidence to give my all for this club and its badge."

A central part of the criticism Mbappe faced was whether he could effectively play alongside fellow superstar Vinicius Junior. However, those concerns were put to rest as the duo worked well together, with Vinicius even giving Mbappe the opportunity to score his second goal from the penalty spot.

"We are young and famous, it's normal for people to talk about us," Mbappe said about his relationship with Vinicius. "The coach says that we both take penalties. I don't want to force things, that's not my mentality."

Addressing the pressure of being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe was quick to dismiss any such burden. "I don't feel the pressure," he insisted. "I don't think about Cristiano, with all due respect to him. Cristiano is my idol, yes. But no, I don't want to follow anything. I don't want that pressure. I want to be Kylian. I only have the pressure of having to adapt to the team."

With his first La Liga goals now behind him, Mbappe is eager to continue making his mark at Real Madrid on his own terms, free from the shadows of past legends.