Real Madrid: things still aren't clicking between Vinicius Jr and Mbappé

22.08.26 FT LaLiga Spain

Espanyol

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Real Madrid

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On Saturday night, Real Madrid got the better of Espanyol (1-2) in their opening La Liga match of the 2026-2027 season. While Vinicius Jr once again found himself at the center of controversy, his partnership with Kylian Mbappé continues to raise concerns.

While Jude Bellingham turned in a more than respectable performance, the same can't be said for Vinicius Jr or Kylian Mbappé. Both were far from their usual standards. The Frenchman tried to make things happen, but also squandered several chances.

The Spanish press didn't hold back on Kylian Mbappé, with Marca giving him a 5/10. Average, yes, but the second-lowest rating in the squad, ahead of only Vinicius and Carreras, who both received a 4, and the Frenchman's missed opportunities were heavily criticized. AS also took aim at Mbappé. "A second half where he was invisible, he looked desperate with no options and tried to go it alone, but nothing came off," they wrote.

Asked about his star players' performances after the match, José Mourinho kept it brief, choosing instead to praise Bellingham and state that his front three are "the best players in the world". Still, social media and post-match analysis continue to question the lack of chemistry between Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé, now entering their third season together.

See also: Real Madrid: Carlos Espi overjoyed for his debut

Yesterday, there was still no real connection between the two, nor between the Frenchman and Bellingham. In short, each tried to make the difference on his own. The ex-PSG star, however, does seem pretty comfortable with Arda Güler.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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