Real Madrid thrash Levante as Mbappe hits brace
VALENCIA, Spain: Real Madrid extended their winning start to La Liga with a comfortable 4-1 triumph at Levante on Tuesday. Kylian Mbappe scored twice to reach seven league goals in six matches as Xabi Alonso’s side maintained their 100 percent record. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring with a superb finish and Franco Mastantuono was also on target for the league leaders. Second-placed Barcelona visit Real Oviedo on Thursday, with the Spanish champions trailing Madrid by five points. “It was a very good game, from the start, we were really committed in defense and the first goal was fundamental, to go ahead and give us confidence,” said Alonso. Vinicius was unhappy to be taken off by Alonso during the win over Espanyol on Saturday but the Brazilian winger started on the left flank and delivered. Since coming second to Manchester City’s Rodri in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings Vinicius has struggled for consistency. However, he found his rhythm at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium and opened the scoring after 28 minutes, following a bright start to the game. “Vini had a very complete, very good game and I am very happy for him,” said Alonso. Valencia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan made a good save to deny Vinicius and Mastantuono hit the bar from the rebound as Los Blancos threatened in the opening stages. Then fed by Fede Valverde on the right of the box, Vinicius used the outside of his right boot to bend a sumptuous effort in at the far post. Ivan Romero and Adrian de la Fuente came close early for Levante but they were forced back and Madrid found their second when Vinicius set up Mastantuono, who rifled into the top corner. It was the promising 18-year-old attacker’s first goal for the club since his summer switch from River