Kylian Mbappe is still on a quest of history at Real Madrid. Another Cristiano Ronaldo record is also being targeted by the French star. His influence even in a defeat was not to be neglected. The Champions League night in Lisbon demonstrated that evidently.
At the Estadio da Luz, Real Madrid lost to Benfica by 4-2 goals. This finding was detrimental to their campaign. The club had lost a top-eight place by only a point. Nevertheless, the game revealed one major thing. Kylian Mbappe has become the primary leader of Madrid.
Since the very beginning, Mbappe was responsible. He pressed high. He demanded the ball. When Madrid had problems controlling the game he expedited it. Benfica was in command in the early days. Madrid however got the first blow by Mbappe.
The first objective was achieved after half an hour. Raul Asencio had provided a dead-on cross. It was the perfect timing of Mbappe. His head was strong and pure. It provided Madrid with a short-term edge. Benfica did not long take to his reply. Portuguese team scored thrice and maintained the lead before the break.
Mbappe did not fade away even under the pressure as her stayed active. Also, he kept attacking space. Madrid appeared to be in need of ideas in the second half. But again, Mbappe delivered.
Arda Guler crossed the ball into the box with 3-1 score. Mbappe possessed the ball in a relaxed manner. He came to the end low in the corner. The objective narrowed down the distance and gave hope to Madrid. Benfica was still powerful even by that time and won.
This turned out to be a failure. This was not the performance of Mbappe. He completed the game scoring two goals. He led by example. He proved to be mature and confident. These are indications of a real leader.
The objectives were also historical. Kylian Mbappe has since already 13 goals within this season of the Champions League. That is only four goals short of the record of 17 goals in one season of Cristiano Ronaldo. The mark was made in the course of the 2013-14 campaign.
