'Kylian Mbappe is decisive in every game' - Vinicius Jr & Arda Guler playing 'catch up' as Xabi Alonso hails rare 'pace' of Real Madrid star after big Champions League win

French hero Mbappe delivered a masterclass with a hat-trick as Madrid eased past Champions League debutants Kairat Almaty in a 5-0 away victory. The French forward converted a penalty in the first half before adding two more after the break, a chip over the goalkeeper and a thunderous strike from distance. Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz also played their part in a dominant team display as Los Blancos bounced back emphatically from their 5-2 La Liga defeat against Atletico Madrid.

After the win, Madrid boss Alonso was full of praise for his star forward, saying: “He’s decisive in practically every game. He’s clinical in front of goal. He also scored a spectacular goal the other day in the derby. We need his quality to flourish. Not just for the goals, but for everything. For his influence. He can have a spectacular season.” 

Alonso described Mbappe’s rhythm as “difficult to achieve” and admitted that few players can keep up with his level of impact in Europe.

While Mbappe stole the spotlight, Alonso also addressed the roles of Vinicius and Guler, noting their importance but stressing the difference in levels. "I'm left with Kylian's great form, not just the goals, but many other things he's doing and helping the team with. The team is looking for him, we're progressing. Kylian's pace is hard to match, and comparisons are complicated, but others are gradually catching up, Vini, Arda... It's just that Kylian's pace is very high," the coach said.

He highlighted how Guler’s positioning between the lines unsettled Kairat’s defence and praised his link-up with Mbappe, while downplaying the fuss around Vinicius’s substitution, stating: “Another day, maybe, but today wasn’t a rebound.”

The win leaves Madrid in a commanding position in the Champions League table, with Mbappe already scoring five goals in two European matches. Alonso insisted the Frenchman’s dominance must be complemented by the rest of the attack, as Madrid seek balance after relying heavily on their new talisman. The focus now shifts back to La Liga, where Real will be expected to prove their resilience in the title race following their derby setback, they are going to challenged by Villarreal CF next in Spain. With Vinicius, Guler and Rodrygo putting up a strong show, Alonso believes his side is building the depth needed to compete on all fronts.