Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was the best of the lot as Los Blancos nicked a victory late on against Olympique Marseille that threatened to slip through their fingers in their Champions League debut. However Mbappe was keen to emphasize that there is plenty more to come from his side.
Mbappe grabbed a brace against Marseille, both from the penalty spot, making it six goals and one assist in just five games so far this season. The French forward was happy to get off the mark, but wanted more, as he told CBS.
“We are happy. Happy to start the Champions League with a win, we know how important it is. It’s not easy, but I think the fans are all happy now. But I think we can still improve. It’s just the start of the season, we know what we do good, what we can improve.”
“I’m important yes, but all the team are important… We have to learn to be better.” 👀
Kylian Mbappé on buying into Xabi Alonso’s project at Real Madrid ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/atFqiN57Ll
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 16, 2025
Real Madrid need to be more clinical
Los Blancos dominated the opening proceedings against Roberto De Zerbi’s side, but could not get themselves in front. Timothy Weah opened the scoring, and the match became more even, before Mbappe settled the match in the last ten minutes. After 28 shots, 15 of which on target, Mbappe demanded better finishing though.
“We have to be better. Me first, we had a lot of chances to open the score, and we didn’t take that chance. And in the end in the Champions League, if you don’t score, the other team does. So we have to work on training to be more efficient in front of goal. I think we have the potential to do it.”
‘We have to listen to Alonso’ – Mbappe
While there is significant debate about Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes’ roles under Xabi Alonso, Aurelien Tchouameni and Mbappe have spoken positively about his impact. Mbappe has been declared the new leader of the side, and he asked his teammates to follow Alonso.
“I’m important yes, but I think all the team are important, that’s what he wants to say. Everybody on the pitch has to bring something to the table, and that’s what we do for the moment. We know also we can be better, improve, it’s just the start of a new project, so we have to listen to him [Alonso], and see what he has to say.”
Mbappe’s pick for the Ballon d’Or
With the Ballon d’Or on the horizon, Mbappe was asked about his own chances for the award.
“Now in the Ballon d’Or to win, you have to win things before. So I have to help my team win trophies. Dembele [is my pick], he is my friend, I support him from the first days, so I will be watching on TV and supporting him.”
