Arun - August 1, 2024
It was always a matter of when, not if, Kylian Mbappe would join Real Madrid. The French captain, who has been a standout performer in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, had long expressed his desire to make the move. Now that the transfer has finally materialised, the burning question on everyone’s mind is whether he can help Los Blancos secure back-to-back Champions League titles this season.
At 25, Mbappe arrives at Real Madrid as a free agent, making him a significant acquisition for the reigning La Liga champions. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. Over his career, he has netted an impressive 288 goals in just 373 appearances. These goals are precisely what Real Madrid, their fans, and manager Carlo Ancelotti hope will elevate the club to new heights and restore their dominance in European football.
As the 2024/25 season approaches, football betting markets online favour Real Madrid to clinch both the La Liga and Champions League titles. While achieving consecutive La Liga crowns is no small feat, retaining the Champions League title poses an even greater challenge, especially given the level of competition in Europe.
Real Madrid’s storied history in the Champions League is unmatched, with fifteen titles to their name. Their closest competitor, AC Milan, has won the competition seven times. Real Madrid has enjoyed remarkable periods of dominance, including five consecutive wins from 1956 to 1960, and, more recently, three titles in a row from 2016 to 2018. The task now is to replicate that success with back-to-back victories in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, which would further cement their legacy as the most successful club in the competition’s history.
The club has a strong track record in finals, having only finished as runners-up three times—1962, 1964, and 1981. This statistic underlines their ability to perform when it matters most. However, their few failures have typically occurred before the final stage, highlighting the need for consistency throughout the tournament. This is where Mbappe, especially when playing as a central striker, can make a significant difference. His versatility and ability to play across the forward line will also be a valuable asset throughout the season, offering Ancelotti tactical flexibility.
In the Champions League, Mbappe has made 73 appearances, scored 48 goals and provided 26 assists. This means he has a direct goal involvement approximately every 0.87 games—a phenomenal record at the highest level of European football. Such statistics underline Mbappe’s capacity to influence crucial matches and make decisive contributions against the very best teams in Europe.
Players capable of making a difference in Champions League games for a club like Real Madrid are rare and elite. They possess the ability to break down even the most formidable defenses, and Mbappe has consistently proven himself against top teams, including Barcelona, Manchester City, and even his current club, Real Madrid. His experience and proven track record in high-stakes games make him a vital addition to the squad.
For Real Madrid, winning La Liga is not enough; the club consistently aims for both domestic and European glory. With Mbappe now part of their ranks, they have the potential to dominate both arenas, ushering in a new era of success. The anticipation is palpable as fans and pundits alike await to see how Mbappe will integrate into the team and whether he can help Real Madrid achieve their lofty ambitions this season.