Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis: Mbappe's first LaLiga goals fires Los Blancos past Betis

Kylian Mbappe (25) has made his mark in LaLiga with Real Madrid, scoring two goals that enabled the reigning champions to extend their unbeaten streak in the competition to 36 matches, following a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Real Betis.

Real Betis, having secured their place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, created the first significant opportunity of the match when summer acquisition Romain Perraud delivered a cross that was narrowly missed by former Barcelona player Abde Ezzalzouli.

The home side responded with Eder Militao, who rose to meet a corner taken by Rodrygo, but his attempt was deflected by Rui Silva, and Perraud managed to thwart Militao from converting the rebound into a goal.

Despite dominating possession, Los Blancos did not fully assert their control over the match. Nevertheless, the synergy between Vinicius Junior and Mbappe nearly resulted in a goal, as the speedy Frenchman came close to connecting with a brilliant through ball from the Brazilian, which, had it been converted, would have been a contender for goal of the season.

As the first half approached its conclusion, Mbappe's opportunity arose when Dani Carvajal sent a cross in his direction, but Youssouf Sabaly executed a remarkable interception.

Both teams returned unchanged after halftime, but just before the hour mark, Manuel Pellegrini introduced Johnny Cardoso and Vitor Roque, the latter making his debut for the club.

Vitor Roque made an immediate impact, compelling Thibaut Courtois to make a save from Sabaly’s cross. At the opposite end, Diego Llorente was having an outstanding match, contributing significantly with another crucial intervention in what had turned into a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

However, he found himself a mere spectator in the 67th minute as Federico Valverde's brilliant flick set up Mbappe, who capitalized on the opportunity to send the Bernabeu into a frenzy.

In the second half, Vinicius appeared increasingly frustrated after striking the woodwork and feeling that several decisions had not favored him. However, he was ultimately justified following a VAR review that confirmed a foul by the opposing goalkeeper, Silva, leading to a penalty that Mbappe successfully converted.

Real Madrid may have commenced the season below their typical performance levels, yet they enter the international break positioned in second place, four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona.

On the other hand, Betis finds themselves precariously situated just above the relegation zone, though they can take solace in the fact that they possess a game in hand over most teams in the league at this early juncture of the season.