Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a tactical shake-up in Sunday’s 3-0 win against Leganes, moving Kylian Mbappe to his favored left-wing position while deploying Vinicius Junior as a makeshift center-forward. The switch paid off, with both players playing pivotal roles in a dominant display.
Mbappe, who joined Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, has struggled to adapt to a central role, managing eight goals in his first 16 appearances. Left out of the France squad for the November internationals despite being fit, the forward appeared rejuvenated in his familiar wide position, opening the scoring just before halftime after an assist from Vinicius.
Ancelotti explained the tactical tweak post-match, saying: “It was a good performance from start to finish. The team was solid and focused. We changed the position of the two forwards: Mbappe on the outside and Vini Jr on the inside. They did well. Vini Jr set him up to open the scoring.”
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Mbappe had an early goal disallowed for offside but struck in the 43rd minute. Vinicius created the chance with a burst into the box, unselfishly setting up Mbappe to end his month-long scoring drought.
“He’s more accustomed to playing on the left,” Ancelotti said of Mbappe. “Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle. Vini Jr had just returned from international duty, while Mbappe was fresher and took his chance well.”
The reconfigured attack also included young talent Arda Güler, who provided an assist for Federico Valverde’s goal. Jude Bellingham added a third, continuing his fine form with his second goal in as many games.
The victory, combined with Barcelona’s recent slip-ups, narrows the gap between the rivals to four points, with Madrid holding a game in hand.
“The positive feelings we had against Osasuna were backed up today,” Ancelotti concluded. “We are more compact and focused. Things are going well.”