Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé aims to end an anomaly

The Frenchman targets his first goal at Espanyol before launching a title-driven season

Europe Today at 09:30

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Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé aims to end an anomaly

Twice the top scorer in La Liga, Kylian Mbappé arrives in Barcelona with a clear challenge and collective ambition still unfulfilled at Real Madrid.

After a remarkable 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé faces Espanyol this Saturday with the goal of opening his account in a stadium that’s proven elusive. The RCDE Stadium is one of six Spanish grounds where the Real Madrid striker has never found the net, alongside those of Elche, Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, Mallorca, and Betis.

Exceptional numbers, but titles still missing

Yet Mbappé is coming off a stunning 2025-2026 season: 42 goals in 44 matches across all competitions. He finished as La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals and led the Champions League charts with 15, performances that earned him the Real Madrid Player of the Season award.

After two campaigns in the Spanish capital, his tally stands at 86 goals and 12 assists in 103 appearances. The Frenchman netted 44 goals in 59 outings during his first season, before adding 42 more the next. However, he remains without a La Liga title, Copa del Rey, or most notably, a Champions League trophy. It’s worth noting, though, that he did claim the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 2024.

Mourinho must turn goals into trophies

Under José Mourinho, Mbappé is expected to be at the heart of the attacking project. The Portuguese manager is renowned for building his system around a forward who can stretch defenses and finish chances. Their partnership began with a particularly ambitious message from the Frenchman.

The challenge now goes beyond individual stats. Signed to lead Madrid to the biggest prizes, Mbappé must turn his goals into major trophies. Breaking the RCDE Stadium curse would be a symbolic start ahead of a season where expectations will be even higher.