"Real Madrid's prospects of success this season, starting with winning Saturday's derby at Atlético Madrid (stream live on ESPN+, US only, 10.15 a.m. ET), and ending by lifting major trophies in May, rest, above all, on the shoulders of these two men, Mbappé and Alonso. Imagine this: a French forward, inspired by a charismatic coach, takes his game to another level to win a long-awaited Champions League, and is rewarded with the Ballon d'Or."
"Mbappé had scored twice -- and been named player of the match -- as Real Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 in the Champions League. In the flash interview zone at the Santiago Bernabéu, the coach had a somewhat awkward task: publicly assessing his star forward's contribution, within earshot of the man himself. "He wasn't bad," Alonso told Movistar reporter Ricardo Sierra, laughing and glancing off-screen towards Mbappé."
Kylian Mbappé scored twice and was named player of the match as Real Madrid beat Marseille 2-1 in the Champions League. Xabi Alonso publicly praised Mbappé while playfully deflecting further comment with the forward nearby. Real Madrid's season success, from the upcoming derby at Atlético Madrid to potential major trophies in May, depends heavily on Mbappé and Alonso. The pair seek to achieve what eluded the club in 2024-25. Comparisons are drawn to Ousmane Dembélé's rise with Luis Enrique at PSG and his 2025 Ballon d'Or, suggesting Mbappé could replicate that trajectory under Alonso.
Read at ESPN.com
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