Xabi Alonso highlighted Kylian Mbappe's significance beyond just scoring goals after Real Madrid's thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League. Mbappe netted all four goals for Los Blancos in Athens, crucial as Chiquinho, Mehdi Taremi, and Ayoub El Kaabi scored for the hosts. This marked the fourth instance of Mbappe scoring four or more goals in a match during his career.
Mbappe has achieved this feat twice with Paris Saint-Germain and once with France. He now holds the record for most hat-tricks away from home in European Cup/Champions League history, with four. Additionally, he became the first Madrid player to score four goals in a major European away match. His tally for the season reached 22 goals, yet Alonso emphasized
that Mbappe's contributions extend beyond scoring.
Alonso stated, "Mbappe is very important, that goes without saying. His goals are fundamental, but that's not all. His personality is among so many intangible things. Like teamwork, unity. The goals, it's a natural talent he possesses. " This underscores how Mbappe's presence impacts team dynamics and morale significantly.
Real Madrid initially fell behind but managed to secure a two-goal lead twice before Olympiacos equalized, setting up a tense conclusion to the match. Despite this pressure-filled scenario, Alonso maintained his composure throughout the game. He remarked on his calmness during such moments: "I was taking it much more calmly than you might expect. "
"I'm not a rookie," Alonso continued, "and it's a long road. And it's not all sunshine and roses. " He stressed the importance of being critical and maintaining high standards while acknowledging that there are always future games to focus on.
Before this victory, Madrid had experienced a winless streak of three matches across all competitions. They lost to Liverpool in Europe and drew against Rayo Vallecano and Elche in LaLiga. When asked if this dramatic win could signal a turning point for the team, Alonso responded cautiously.
Looking Forward After Victory
"We'll see," he said. "Time will tell. We've had good feelings and shared some things. " Despite facing challenges like injuries, Alonso noted that they emerged victorious and would carry that momentum forward.
The demanding schedule ahead includes five consecutive away games, which is uncommon. However, Alonso expressed determination: "But we'll go for it. " This reflects their readiness to tackle upcoming challenges head-on.
The recent victory over Olympiacos highlights both Mbappe's exceptional talent and Real Madrid's resilience under pressure. As they prepare for future matches, maintaining focus and building on their strengths will be crucial for continued success.
